by Alex Schwartz

Due to the current problems facing Houston Rockets point guard Rafer Alston with his recent arrest, I though that now might be a good time to shine a positive light on the man who made a name for himself as streetball known "Skip to My Lou." I had the opportunity to chat with the NBA baller at the Reebok Summer Classic East, where he was coaching the NY Panthers U-16 team. Alston sat on the bench with the squad and really did coach them, doing everything that a coach should, not just sitting there for some good publicity. Alston's squad actually won the event, defeating Team New Jersey ABC in the finals. The living legend did not have much time, but was kind enough to allow me to ask him a few questions.

NB: What draws you out to these events? A lot of guys put their names on a team and then just sit back. Why do you choose to come out with the team?
RA: I think the guys at their age could use a little more structure, [and] I think a little more teaching. I think a lot of guys coach the kids and just throw them out there and let them just run around and play. I think me being around ball , playing so long and being around it for so long, I think they could use a little more structure. . . to their game.

NB: What’s drawn you to actually be a part of an AAU program and put your name on one? . . . What got you involved?
RA: Well, I would love to run with the kids, . . . always keep them in basketball, give them something to do. I think that’s the best thing and it reminds me of when I was their age dreaming and wanting to be a star basketball player at some point.

NB: How have you shed the label as a streetballer and become renowned as a quality NBA player?
RA: Well, I’ve never . . . shed the name, they’ll know me . . . as that, but I think I just made them aware of how [well] I can play on an NBA level, and I think that’s one thing that they were a little bit unsure of. [It was] how good am I to play on that . . . level?

NB: What are you looking to do after you’re done in the NBA?
RA: I don’t know, maybe a little broadcasting, maybe a little coaching. I’ll figure it out.

Alston did a good job coaching his squad of talented players, as the team not only won the Reebok Summer Classic East, but made it to the semifinals of the Joe Brown Memorial Tournament, which took place the two days immediately following the Reebok event. It's true that the Rockets guard does get knocked sometimes, but it's also true that he really does care about these kids and really is trying to make an impact. The talented 6'2 guard from Fresno St. is a megastar in New York, the home of streetball, so it's fitting that the Empire State is where he is doing his coaching. It's got to be fun for a kid to be coached by an NBA star, and Rafer Alston is giving a handful of kids that opportunity.

Note- photo and player information on Alston is from http://www.nba.com/.