Spurs Media Day 2008

[Solid D]

It's nice to see the Spurs season finally getting underway! Media Day is this afternoon at the Spurs' Practice Facility.

Feel free to post pics and comments here.

[Solid D]

KSAT news and sports at 12:50 showed some video. Malik Hairston is wearing #1....so I guess he's on board with the Spurs.

[Kori Ellis]

Sorry I didn't go because I'm working on a project. I'm sure we'll see a bunch of photos/video online soon.

[SenorSpur]

KSAT news and sports at 12:50 showed some video. Malik Hairston is wearing #1....so I guess he's on board with the Spurs.

That means he's #1 in both our program as well as our hearts. Also, #1 candidate for deployment for D-League duty. :lol

[duncan228]

I'm so glad it's finally here. What a long summer this was. I'm so ready for the season to tip.

I haven't found any pics yet, I've even checked for the team and not just Duncan. :)

[DPG21920]

I hope Ian can come back soon.

[urunobili]

will Manu attend in one leg?

[angel_luv]

I remember when this day used to feel like Christmas to me.
I miss that feeling.

Welcome home Spurs. :)

[Los Spurs]

will Manu attend in one leg?

Not nice :nope.

ARRIBA SPURS :flag:

[tp2021]

have you lost that lovin feelin, Angel?

[angel_luv]

have you lost that lovin feelin, Angel?

Not lost it completely. I just need a good Spurs sighting and/or signing to rekindle it all. :)

[Los Spurs]

Not lost it completely. I just need a good Spurs sighting and/or signing to rekindle it all. :)

Girl,

I would be at the Luby's by now...

[angel_luv]

Girl,

I would be at the Luby's by now...

Now, now... just because our team is old doesn't mean they eat at Luby's.

Or does it? :)

[Los Spurs]

Now, now... just because our team is old doesn't mean they eat at Luby's.

Or does it? :)

I mentioned Luby's because it's a good place to go eat at and depending on where you sit, you may be able to see some of the Spurs drive off from the practice facility parking lot.

[angel_luv]

I mentioned Luby's because it's a good place to go eat at and depending on where you sit, you may be able to see some of the Spurs drive off from the practice facility parking lot.

Noted. Thanks. :)

[Bruno]

Some audio interviews :
http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/spursworld/2008/09/hearing_from_manu_ginobili_gre.html

[duncan228]

Some audio interviews :
http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/spursworld/2008/09/hearing_from_manu_ginobili_gre.html

:worthy: Thank you Bruno.

Duncan said he's been working with the new guys the past month or two. Can't get a much better way to break into the system than working with the Captain of the team.

[Spurs Brazil]

KSAT news and sports at 12:50 showed some video. Malik Hairston is wearing #1....so I guess he's on board with the Spurs.

So we have 19 guys in camp and 6 fighting for 2 spots

[Spurs Brazil]

Gregg Popovich was sporting a beard and Manu Ginobili was smiling and walking without a limp.

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/spursworld/2008/09/hearing_from_manu_ginobili_gre.html

[jack sommerset]

How many media guys show up for this?

[duncan228]

How many media guys show up for this?

Kori would know for sure. I know the local guys are there, and NBAE handles some of the pics, so some of them are there.

[Bruno]

Pop said that Mason was the second option behind Maggette. He has high expectations about him and thinks that he will play a big role with SPurs this year.
Mahinmi will have a MRI today and Pop wasn't really optimistic about him. I wouldn't be surprised to see him missing the whole training camp and starting the season at the deep end of the bench.

[PeterBurns]

Just got back. My 1st Media Day with the Spurs.

Intial Thoughts...

Players

Manu was a good interview. Didn't seem to be limping around. Talked about itching and ready to play. Thinks it will be about another 7 weeks until he can make a final assessment.

Roger Mason. Very impressed. Really came across as cool, and happy to be a Spur. Talked about how excited he was for today at the start of camp. He said he woke up at 6 this morning, like it was his first day at school. Really prepared hard this year because with the Manu injury, knows it's his big chance.

Tim Duncan. Typical Tim. Good light hearted interview. I asked him about Hazing the new guys and he said he couldn't wait. Also, talked about Pop's beard and how scary it is. Overall just excited for the season to finally get underway.

POP.....In a very good mood. Joked around pretty good. I asked him how quiet the ride home from the airport was when he picked up Manu. He said it was really quiet, and finally they started talking politics. Wants to keep camp fresh for everyone, and is planning on running different practice schedule this year to keep everyone on their toes.

Best quote.....Pop regarding the beard..."Whatever Timmy wants me to do, I'll do. If he wants me to shave, it's shaved, if he wants me to grow it out, I'll do it. What he says goes"

Worst Question I heard....."Pop, is this a big year for Tony Parker to finally step up and become one of the best PG's in the league".......Pop went Pop on him and said..."3 Championships, 1 Finals MVP, I think Tony is already among the elite" then proceeded to stare him down for 10 seconds of dead silence.

All the media guys were there. Don Harris, David Sears, Greg Simmons, saw Duel and Minnix, and ran into a couple of the Express-News writers, (Finger, Monroe, and McDonald?)

Overall, a cool thing. What I found funny was how certain members of the media are VERY elitest. Reminded me of the high school dance, where everyone is in their corner and not really talking to everyone else.

Mike will have alot of the interviews I think on his show this afternoon

[DPG21920]

Interesting that Manu said 8-12 weeks, that would put him end of November at the latest.

[duncan228]

Just got back. My 1st Media Day with the Spurs.

Intial Thoughts...

Thank you so much for the detailed info. I really appreciate it. :)

[DPG21920]

Good stuff PB

[Kori Ellis]

Just got back. My 1st Media Day with the Spurs.

Intial Thoughts...

Players

Manu was a good interview. Didn't seem to be limping around. Talked about itching and ready to play. Thinks it will be about another 7 weeks until he can make a final assessment.

Roger Mason. Very impressed. Really came across as cool, and happy to be a Spur. Talked about how excited he was for today at the start of camp. He said he woke up at 6 this morning, like it was his first day at school. Really prepared hard this year because with the Manu injury, knows it's his big chance.

Tim Duncan. Typical Tim. Good light hearted interview. I asked him about Hazing the new guys and he said he couldn't wait. Also, talked about Pop's beard and how scary it is. Overall just excited for the season to finally get underway.

POP.....In a very good mood. Joked around pretty good. I asked him how quiet the ride home from the airport was when he picked up Manu. He said it was really quiet, and finally they started talking politics. Wants to keep camp fresh for everyone, and is planning on running different practice schedule this year to keep everyone on their toes.

Best quote.....Pop regarding the beard..."Whatever Timmy wants me to do, I'll do. If he wants me to shave, it's shaved, if he wants me to grow it out, I'll do it. What he says goes"

Worst Question I heard....."Pop, is this a big year for Tony Parker to finally step up and become one of the best PG's in the league".......Pop went Pop on him and said..."3 Championships, 1 Finals MVP, I think Tony is already among the elite" then proceeded to stare him down for 10 seconds of dead silence.

All the media guys were there. Don Harris, David Sears, Greg Simmons, saw Duel and Minnix, and ran into a couple of the Express-News writers, (Finger, Monroe, and McDonald?)

Overall, a cool thing. What I found funny was how certain members of the media are VERY elitest. Reminded me of the high school dance, where everyone is in their corner and not really talking to everyone else.

Mike will have alot of the interviews I think on his show this afternoon

If I knew you were going to go, I would have tried harder to free my schedule.



Overall, a cool thing. What I found funny was how certain members of the media are VERY elitest. Reminded me of the high school dance, where everyone is in their corner and not really talking to everyone else.

:lol What a true statement.

[Spurs Brazil]

Thanks for the recap PB

I hope we can see some pics soon

[DPG21920]

Also interesting that Tim specifically mentioned Horry being gone and how it is Bonner's time to step up.

[spurs_2108]

^ Yeah I also heard that. Hmm..

[Solid D]

Overall, a cool thing. What I found funny was how certain members of the media are VERY elitest. Reminded me of the high school dance, where everyone is in their corner and not really talking to everyone else.



:lol What a true statement.


http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/movie/gallery/1133967/photo_06_hires.jpg

[Spurs Brazil]

I didn't like how Pop said about Ian "Yes he's injured again".

It sounds like the "Poor Beno" quote when he was always injured.

I hope Ian can be back soon and show he can be part of the rotation

[PeterBurns]

I stabbed Greg Simmons with a Trident in the parking lot. I should seek refuge.

On another important note. KTSA had a Beautiful looking assistant there today.
Well played sirs....well played

[timvp]

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/spursworld/duncan20080929.jpg

[Slomo]

...
Worst Question I heard....."Pop, is this a big year for Tony Parker to finally step up and become one of the best PG's in the league".......Pop went Pop on him and said..."3 Championships, 1 Finals MVP, I think Tony is already among the elite" then proceeded to stare him down for 10 seconds of dead silence....

:lol

Well, looks like Pop at least is ready for the season to start.

[rAm]

:lol a pop, gotta love him.

thanks for the inside info!

[duncan228]

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/spursworld/duncan20080929.jpg

Thank you. :)

I've got to go out, I got to see him before I left.

[DPG21920]

This sucks bad for Ian. Especially when you hear Pop say that it will be hard for him to get into the rotation and that he wanted to play him 35 minutes a night in the preseason.

[timvp]

My favorite quote in the interviews was when Roger Mason, Jr. said: "I was working out here the last couple months with some of the young players ... and Tim Duncan."

Does Duncan ever leave the gym in the summer?

[Spurs Brazil]

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080929/capt.22e8bae536d7442cbd615201c8d6b00d.spurs_media_ day_basketball_txeg101.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080929/capt.d50077c30690478e9e0a047b0d4cd170.spurs_media_ day_basketball_txeg102.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080929/capt.d268804d8d454b058c7a5e11133c8ec0.spurs_media_ day_basketball_txeg103.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080929/capt.05ad17012af54be3a22c9674bfd46a7a.spurs_media_ day_basketball_txeg104.jpg

[Spur-Addict]

I didn't like how Pop said about Ian "Yes he's injured again".

It sounds like the "Poor Beno" quote when he was always injured.

I hope Ian can be back soon and show he can be part of the rotation

Hopefully this transitions into a motivational tool.

[T Park]

any ideas on the numbers for George Hill and Roger Mason?

[tp2021]

Isn't Hill #3?

[Spurs Brazil]

any ideas on the numbers for George Hill and Roger Mason?

Hill wore number 3 during the rookie photos.

[duncan228]

Does Duncan ever leave the gym in the summer?

Only for a few weeks. He usually takes a little time to let his body heal from the season, then he's back. Every coach he's had has commented on his work ethic. It didn't surprise me that he was with the young/new guys. It's his team and he knows what that entails.

(But you knew that. :))

[urunobili]

:worthy: Thank you Bruno.

Duncan said he's been working with the new guys the past month or two. Can't get a much better way to break into the system than working with the Captain of the team.

damn this is sweet!

i am not surprised though... i have NEVER stopped thinking he is the true leader of this team and franchise :tu

also Mason has a unique chance of growth... working with Duncan on the court all this time? aint get no better than that... :king

[Solid D]

any ideas on the numbers for George Hill and Roger Mason?TV showed Mason wearing #8, Salim Stoudamire #23, Hill #3, Hairston #E

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Hairston #E

?

[Manufan909]

Manu is already looking fresh, a good sign. And difficult, because he still has a bit of his hobo beard. Too bad about Ian. Is there a timetable for him?

[Manufan909]

Lol at Bruce whining about the itchiness of the adidias gear. Tim is going to have to get him in line.

[m33p0]

Worst Question I heard....."Pop, is this a big year for Tony Parker to finally step up and become one of the best PG's in the league".......Pop went Pop on him and said..."3 Championships, 1 Finals MVP, I think Tony is already among the elite" then proceeded to stare him down for 10 seconds of dead silence.
must be a new guy.

wait... you didn't ask him that question did you?

My 1st Media Day with the Spurs.


Intial Thoughts...
:tu

[angel_luv]

TV showed Mason wearing #8, Salim Stoudamire #23, Hill #3, Hairston #E

Number 8, eh?

Peter Burns- I enjoyed your update. Thanks for posting it. :)

[bigdog]

Ah, basketball season is finally here :)

now, it will be fun to watch 6 guys battle for 2 spots.

[Solid D]

TV showed Mason wearing #8, Salim Stoudamire #23, Hill #3, Hairston #E Oops. Hairston is #1

[duncan228]

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x282/duncan228/promo/08team.jpg

[Freeze]

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/31/fullj.4bdebcb5dddd59b393a186451f9c97f3/4bdebcb5dddd59b393a186451f9c97f3-getty-82921743ce003_spurs_media.jpg

[xellos88330]

:bang TEASE!!! Season has to start soon or I will go crazy

[ace3g]

http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?contractUrl=2&language=en-US&family=editorial&p=san%20antonio%20Spurs&assetType=image&ep=2&src=quick

some new pictures added of Hill, Mason, and Bonner

[DPG21920]

Bonner, lol

[Solid D]

http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xt/83056566.jpg?v=1&g=editorial14&s=1

Matt Bonner thinks about where he is going to rotate to on defense. These things take time.

[angel_luv]

I just saw the media coverage on Fox.

It was great to see Gino and Timmy and hear them. Bruce I saw in the background, but there was no audio from him.

I miss Mango Tree and Robert Horry. Also it is strange seeing Roger Mason as the new number 8.
Still I look forward to picking a favorite from among the new guys. Maybe Mason will be the guy. :)

[bigdog]

The lack of news from Spurs.com annoys me, as I hate to rely on the locals for Spurs news, but even with the Manu injury, I'm still excited to see what happens in training camp.

[polandprzem]

My favorite quote in the interviews was when Roger Mason, Jr. said: "I was working out here the last couple months with some of the young players ... and Tim Duncan."

Does Duncan ever leave the gym in the summer?

Tim takes like 2 weeks off before he starts running swimming and starting to lift weights.

[timvp]

The lack of news from Spurs.com annoys me, as I hate to rely on the locals for Spurs news, but even with the Manu injury, I'm still excited to see what happens in training camp.Yeah, I'm surprised Spurs.com didn't come through with video of the interviews. They had done a very good job all summer. Maybe they weren't allowed or they want Spurs.com to be all about the Silver Star.

[Solid D]

http://cache1.asset-cache.net/xt/83056705.jpg?v=1&g=editorial14&s=1

[Solid D]

http://cache1.asset-cache.net/xt/83056709.jpg?v=1&g=editorial14&s=1 http://cache4.asset-cache.net/xt/83056715.jpg?v=1&g=editorial14&s=1http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xt/83056568.jpg?v=1&g=editorial14&s=1
Ian, Salim and Roger

[polandprzem]

Any comment on Pops comment that Manu playing Olympics is probably better for team this year?

[timvp]

Any comment on CIA Pops comment that Manu playing Olympics is probably better for team this year?

Fixed.

[Kriz-Maxima]

Loving Salim's look.

[Kori Ellis]

Don't post the watermarked Getty pictures, please. They don't like it.

Thanks.

[duncan228]

Sorry Kori. I knew better. :oops

[polandprzem]

Fixed.

I don't know man.
They are saying that he would injure it in the middle of a season anyway...

Better now or during season?

[KEDA]

George Hill must be a sneakerhead, in the summer league he was wearing Nike Foamposites, in the rookie photos he had on Retro Jordan XIIIs and the team photo in retro Pippens, props to the dude for his sneaker knowledge!

[tp2021]

Nice...finally, some visible ink on the roster.

[DynastyBuilder]

Yeah, I'm surprised Spurs.com didn't come through with video of the interviews. They had done a very good job all summer. Maybe they weren't allowed or they want Spurs.com to be all about the Silver Star.
found this.

http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/mediaday_080929.html

[timvp]

found this.

http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/mediaday_080929.htmlNice. Looks like they just added it.

Thanks for the link :tu

[DynastyBuilder]

also found vid on sasilverstars.com, the "Spurs' take on the Silver Stars"

http://www.wnba.com/silverstars/news/playoffs_2008.html

[duncan228]

found this.

http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/mediaday_080929.html

Thank you so much.

[dbreiden83080]

Time to get this season underway already. Lets kick some ASS shut some people up and get out there and claim Number 5 :toast :lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2::lobt2:

[T Park]

Duncan with his usual deep intellectual words of encouragement for the Starz.

[duncan228]

Duncan with his usual deep intellectual words of encouragement for the Starz.

:lol "Continue to do what they do."

[T Park]

BTW, Pop's interview on Spurs.com is absolutely typical pop hilarious.

David Sears asking if Mrs. Popovich has started lining up the animals in the backyard 2 by 2 :lol

[DynastyBuilder]

Nice. Looks like they just added it.

Thanks for the link :tu


Thank you so much.

np. :toast

I liked the little vid on the stars site too, fwiw. and Pop was represent'n with with the stars playoff t-shirt

[Solid D]

Tolliver #35. Antoine Carr's old #

[timvp]

Tolliver #35. Antoine Carr's old #

In honor of another power forward that couldn't rebound?

:smokin

[Solid D]

:lol true but he liked to think he could block some shots...and he did from time to time in forceful fashion.

[ChuckD]

Finley will be more useless than usual this year. On the TV news, he seemed non-plussed to be back, and said that plans changed after he thought he wasn't going to be back. That leads me to believe that Barry was the one they wanted back, and when he bolted they offered a deal to Fin.

[TDMVPDPOY]

roger mason wearing no.8 :D:D:D

[timtonymanu]

finally i see roger mason in a spurs jersey.

[Manufan909]

BTW, Pop's interview on Spurs.com is absolutely typical pop hilarious.

David Sears asking if Mrs. Popovich has started lining up the animals in the backyard 2 by 2 :lol

Fudge, you beat me to it. The "married to Phil Jackson" comment was below the belt. So was another one, bu5 I can't remember it.:toast

Oh yeah, Pop, keep the beard!!! SeanElliot will have the time of his life using up all his beard jokes.
:downspin:

[naico]

Timmy looks very sharp! Am i the only one noticing it?

[anakha]

SeanElliot

Well, that's one way of dodging the framistan.

[Manufan909]

What's another way?

Also, I was playing 2k7 and since Manu made his first shot I took him out of the game so he'd have 1.000 for FG%. In the game(as well as the real NBA), do they average the avgs for each game, or all the shots period? I'd guess they'd avg the overall out of each individual avg, but idk for sure.

[Los Spurs]

Timmy looks very sharp! Am i the only one noticing it?

Nope, I noticed that too. Plus, Finley looks awesome! Can't wait for the new season to start.

[duncan228]

Timmy looks very sharp! Am i the only one noticing it?

No, you're not the only one. He looks good, he sounds good, he's relaxed and smiling, and there's a spark in his eyes. He's ready.

[xtremesteven33]

i couldnt help but smile everytime i saw the media videos.

they just looked so happy and excited to start the season. Timmy had very positive body language and so did Pop. something they usually dont show in thier interviews. They seem to be very optomistic about this year.

This season is gonna be sweet.

[angel_luv]

BTW, Pop's interview on Spurs.com is absolutely typical pop hilarious.

David Sears asking if Mrs. Popovich has started lining up the animals in the backyard 2 by 2 :lol

That is really funny. :)

[hitmanyr2k]

I like this Mason kid already. Humble, and he's a Redskins fan :tu

[I. Hustle]

i couldnt help but smile everytime i saw the media videos.

they just looked so happy and excited to start the season. Timmy had very positive body language and so did Pop. something they usually dont show in thier interviews. They seem to be very optomistic about this year.

This season is gonna be sweet.

Kinda makes you think they are up to something.

[Manufan909]

It's just the beard, affacting everyone with warmth and good cheer.

[tp2021]

The first thing I thought of when Tim said "I was just praying that nobody would get hurt"
was the thread about what his religious beliefs might be.

[duncan228]

The first thing I thought of when Tim said "I was just praying that nobody would get hurt"
was the thread about what his religious beliefs might be.

There's never been any doubt that he believes, he mentions praying and God now and then. We just don't know the exact basis of his beliefs.

[DPG21920]

damn, 9 more days!!!!!!!

[Spurs Brazil]

I like that Pop said TD, Bruce and TP will start and after that he doesn't know.

The sad thing is Ian would have a shot at it if healthy. And know he'll need to fight for a spot in the 12

[ChuckD]

My guess is that they'll start either Finley or Udoka at the 2 spot, and have RM come off the bench in the Manu create offense role.

[Manufan909]

If that's the way it goes, I sure hope Udoka gets the nod.

[mystargtr34]

I like that Pop said TD, Bruce and TP will start and after that he doesn't know.

The sad thing is Ian would have a shot at it if healthy. And know he'll need to fight for a spot in the 12

I dont think there would have been a chance of Ian starting given the way he played in SL

[objective]

new photos are up on the getty site.

Bonner looks like he's slimmed down.

[Solid D]

new photos are up on the getty site.

:tu Everyone, except Charles Gaines as of today.

http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?contractUrl=2&language=en-US&family=editorial&assetType=image&p=Spurs%20Media%20Day&src=standard#

2008-09 Roster
NUM PLAYER POS HT WT DOB FROM YRS
15 Matt Bonner F 6-10 240 04/05/1980 Florida 4
12 Bruce Bowen F 6-7 200 06/14/1971 Cal State Fullerton 12
21 Tim Duncan F-C 6-11 260 04/25/1976 Wake Forest 11
33 Desmon Farmer G 6-5 220 10/07/1981 USC 1
4 Michael Finley G-F 6-7 225 03/06/1973 Wisconsin 13
41 Charles Gaines F 6-9 223 10/15/1981 Southern Mississippi R
20 Manu Ginobili G 6-6 205 07/28/1977 Argentina 6
22 Devin Green G-F 6-7 212 10/25/1982 Hampton 1
1 Malik Hairston G 6-6 220 02/23/1987 Oregon R
3 George Hill G 6-2 180 05/04/1986 IUPUI R
28 Ian Mahinmi C 6-11 230 11/05/1986 France 1
8 Roger Mason G 6-5 212 09/10/1980 Virginia 4
7 Fabricio Oberto F-C 6-10 245 03/21/1975 Argentina 3
9 Tony Parker G 6-2 180 05/17/1982 France 7
23 Salim Stoudamire G 6-1 175 10/11/1982 Arizona 3
40 Kurt Thomas F-C 6-9 235 10/04/1972 Texas Christian 13
35 Anthony Tolliver C 6-8 240 06/01/1985 Creighton R
5 Ime Udoka G-F 6-5 220 08/09/1977 Portland State 4
11 Jacque Vaughn G 6-1 190 02/11/1975 Kansas 11
31 Darryl Watkins C 6-11 258 11/08/1984 Syracuse 1

HEAD COACH
Gregg Popovich (College - Air Force Academy)

ASSISTANT COACHES
Mike Budenholzer (College - Pomona)
Don Newman (College - Idaho)
Brett Brown (College - Boston University)
Chip Engelland (College - Duke)
Chad Forcier (College - Seattle Pacific)

STRENGTH-AND-CONDITIONING COACH
Mike Brungardt (College - Central State (OH))

ATHLETIC TRAINER
Will Sevening (College - Wisconsin-LaCrosse)

ASSISTANT TRAINER
Chad Bergman (College - IUPUI)

C - Captain
** - Unsigned Draft Pick
(FA) - Free Agent

Inactive vs. Active List Rules

created: 10/02/2008,05:15 PM

[Jess]

Wow, compare Finley 2007 to Finley 2008 on that Getty page.

[angelbelow]

lol at matt bonners pose.

[Manufan909]

Damn, Barry's pic made me sad...

[mystargtr34]

Ian is alot bigger

[outmap]

Michael and Ian looked very much in shape.
Ime and Matt slimmed down.

[duncan228]

An infusion of new blood (http://dailytimes.com/story.lasso?ewcd=dba031fed518e6bb)
By Alex Byington
The Daily Times

SAN ANTONIO — Surrounded by a hoard of media, new San Antonio guard Roger Mason Jr. said his goal is to stand out in his first season with the Spurs.

And with NBA veterans Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili considered the Spurs’ version of the Three Musketeers, Mason is hoping to fill the role of d’Artagnan.

“I think I can be the X-factor,” Mason said Monday at the Spurs’ annual media day festivities. “Everyone talks about the Big 3 — a Hall of Famer and two All-Stars — and I want to fit in, sure, but I also want to make a difference.”

Saying he had trouble sleeping Sunday night in preparation for the first day of the Spurs’ training camp beginning today, the 28-year-old Mason is anxious to step out on the court with his new teammates.

“This is an opportunity you don’t get often, and this is a team that you don’t get to play for often, so I’m looking forward to it,” Mason said. “It’s something that every player wants — an opportunity to play for a championship, and these guys do it every year.”

Joining San Antonio’s storied franchise as a free agent this summer after two seasons in Washington, Mason is one of two new faces eager to infuse new energy into an aging Spurs roster.

With five players with 11 or more years in the NBA, including Duncan, 32, and defensive stalwart Bruce Bowen, 37, the Spurs brass made it a priority to get younger and more talented in the offseason.

Enter Mason and 22-year-old rookie George Hill, a do-it-all point guard in a similar mold of new teammate Parker.

Hill, who became the first player from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) to be selected in the NBA Draft when the Spurs picked him No. 28 overall in June, said he’s excited to play behind someone of Parker’s pedigree.

“I grew up watching him, since I really started focusing on basketball (as a career) — he was one of the point guards I really looked up to,” Hill said. “And then coming here and seeing him in person, it was like ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ — I was amazed (to meet him).”

Dedicated to be the difference between a playoff-caliber team and an NBA champion, both Mason and Hill see themselves as possibly filling in for what the Spurs may have missed last season — a youthful exuberance.

“I just want to bring in energy,” Hill said. “I think that’s one thing they brought the young guys in here for is to bring more life to (the team) and more youth and energy off the bench.”

While Hill will likely be brought into the system slowly, Mason will be thrown into the thick of things right away, filling in for Ginobili with the seven-year pro expected to miss the first couple months of the season.

Ginobili, who injured his ankle late last season during the Western Conference semifinals against New Orleans and then aggravated it in the conference finals against the Los Angles Laker, seriously reinjured the ankle playing for Argentina during the Beijing Olympics and was forced to have arthroscopic surgery earlier this month.

Ginobili, who is off crutches and out of a protective boot, is currently rehabbing with team trainers and coach Gregg Popovich expects his ankle to be “in better shape now than it’s been in years” when he makes his return some time around December.

But it’s the injection of new blood into the team that has everyone, including Mason, fervent to get the season started.

“I’m hungry right now, I’m hungry for a championship, and I’m hungry to prove myself to the league,” Mason said.

As are many of his new teammates.

Notes: While the Spurs became younger as a team, Popovich entered his 12th season leading San Antonio looking like he aged 10 years — sporting a scruffy, white beard that drew comparisons to Santa Claus and Moses, a much older biblical figure.

And although Popovich’s wife may not be a big fan, apparently reserving judgment “until I shower and get it trimmed,” Duncan certainly sees the significance of the facial growth.

“I like what he’s going for — it’s an intimidating look,” Duncan said, jokingly. “I actually had a full beard going until I came in and saw his, and I was so intimidated by his beard, I went home and shaved.”

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

They have Fin's pic on that link posted by Solid from this year:

http://cache1.asset-cache.net/xt/83080364.jpg?v=1&g=editorial14&s=1





And last year:

http://cache1.asset-cache.net/xt/77205729.jpg?v=1&g=editorial6&s=1



Physically he looks like two different people when you look at the full-sized images.

[xtremesteven33]

Finley looks about as ripped as D-Rob!!

crazy what 2-3 months can do to someone. lets hope he can ball as good as he looks. then i wouldnt mind seeing him in the lineup.

[yavozerb]

Damn, I forget how abnormally long Hill's arms are..