Hornets on the Internets: Rookie Introductions Edition

I know all Hornets fans are atwitter about one thing: the official introduction of Craig Brackins and Quincy Pondexter. Okay, so it's not the biggest news right now, but it's not something that makes me feel nauseous and there's some pretty interesting stuff that came out of their introduction.

First, I recommend this video of the introduction. You get a nice feel for the preternatural calm of Monty Williams, and some mildly interesting anecdotes, like the time that Monty beat Craig Brackins in a one-on-one game.

But Craig disputes Monty's version of events. From the Times-Pic:

"Don't know what he's talking about," said Brackins, smiling Tuesday as he and Pondexter were introduced to the local media as the newest Hornets. "We started playing around. And he wanted to start keeping score when he started making shots. But no, it's great. He can still move around and play. You don't get that all the time, being able to build a relationship with your coaches by playing a little one-on-one and getting a little competitive with your coach.

"When he tells you something, it's kind of cool that he can tell you and if you don't believe it, he can show you. I like that aspect in Coach Williams. When he says he can't wait to put his hands on us, he's serious about that. But in a good way."

And Jim Eichenhoffer interviewed both the rookies and learned some interesting information. From his interview from Brackins:

On one area where he needs to improve:
"Strength. If I'm going to guard some (power forwards) in the NBA, strength is something I'm going to focus a lot on before the season starts. Also ballhandling a little bit, getting more comfortable on the wing, just in case if I get the ball out there, or if I have to play some 3 (small forward). I don't know what they have in store for me yet, but that's what I feel like I need to work on.

In that same vein, Eichenhoffer tweeted this about Brackins:

He's on diet + lifting program to add weight/muscle. Consists of 5-7 daily meals

I can't even fathom eating 5-7 meals every day. That's a ridiculous amount of food. Let's see if Brackins looks like a different man by the time the season rolls around.

Eichenhoffer also interviewed Pondexter:

On the status of the small forward position on current Hornets roster:
"It's definitely an opportunity, but at the same time, those players (Peja Stojakovic, Julian Wright) aren't going to give me anything. They're going to come out and try to kick my butt every day in practice. I've got to learn from Peja; I've got to learn from Julian. I'm going to do whatever it takes to earn minutes and to earn wins. That's my main goal. If I don't play a single minute, as long as we win, I'm happy."

Finally, The Advocate has a nice story about the roots of the relationship between Brackins and Pondexter. It includes a nice quote from Brackins about the two going forward on the Hornets:

"I'm glad it worked out this way, having multiple rookies," said Brackins, who was chosen with the 21st pick, five spots ahead of Pondexter. "You go through the same things. If you're struggling, the other guy can relate to the same struggle that you're going through. If you're having a hard time you can call him up and say, ‘Hey, I'm struggling, can I come by your house and talk?'"

Hooray for non-depressing basketball stories!