Article on The Q!

[The Q]

Keeping His Dream Alive

Posted: October 11th, 2004

Quinton Ross reminds Coach Dunleavy of "a young Michael Cooper."
After spending last season playing for the Telindus BC Oostende (Belgium) basketball club, former Southern Methodist University basketball standout Quinton Ross inked a two-year deal with the Clippers in August and has been one of the bright spots at training camp. A new name to many, Ross is no stranger to the Clippers organization, having spent the 2003 preseason with the club before being the last player cut prior to last season.

Admittedly disappointed, Ross signed on to play in Belgium but kept his dreams of the NBA in the front of his mind. Although he moved across continents last year, playing professional basketball overseas in Belgium, Quinton surprisingly found himself in not so different an environment. The biggest thing that helped with the transition was that the people who lived around him spoke fluent English.

Ross found that it was easy to talk with the locals, however the task of communication became more difficult when touring other countries because the language barrier was certainly a more noticeable issue. Another factor that made the adjustment easier was that Ross and his teammates were able to find comfort foods found in the US

"I ate a lot of Pizza Hut,” joked Ross.

While fast food did not ensure his return to the NBA, his style of play and unselfishness did.

"Hard work and dedication to the game is what enabled me to get another opportunity with the Clippers,” said Ross. "This is a dream come true to play in the NBA and I plan to make the most of this opportunity. This is what you think about as a kid and it means a lot to finally be here.”

Ross grew up in Dallas and spent countless hours playing basketball in his family’s driveway with the friends. All had NBA dreams but Ross is the only one to realize them. Quinton’s family and hometown could not be happier for him as they eagerly anticipate the upcoming season.

"Everyone back home is excited for me,” said Ross. "They’re all excited for me, but it’s going to be a lot of work.”

Although he is happy to be in the NBA, Ross valued his taste of International play.

"Basketball is very popular in Europe,” said Ross. "The fans are so passionate about their team in each city and country. The game is a little slower, but it is pretty rough. The referees let a lot of stuff go and don’t call that many fouls. You get beat up but it makes you tougher.”

Joining Telindus BC Oostende in October 2003, Ross made a strong impression on his adopted team by averaging 16.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, with equally strong numbers in the FIBA Europe Cup playoffs.

A visit from Dunleavy during the summer encouraged Ross, who was told by the coach that he stood an excellent chance at making the team if he would accept an invitation to play in summer league and to attend training camp. Ross’ strong play over the summer made him a favorite among the coaching staff and his improvement led Elgin Baylor to sign him to a two-year contract. With the issue of making the roster not an issue, Ross is focused on what he can do to help the team.

"My biggest expectation of myself this year is to just make the team better,” said Ross. "I want to help the team the best I can. I want to give Coach Dunleavy good quality minutes whenever my name is called.”

Ross joins Shaun Livingston and Lionel Chalmers as rookies the Clippers are counting on to help in the backcourt. While Livingston played in high school and Chalmers in the college ranks last season, Ross feels the international experience and a year of professional basketball will help his NBA adjustment. With the season less than a week old, Ross has already made a good impression.


(From the Clippers' website)

[PK]

That's good news. Quinton deserves the best...he's a great guy.

[The Q]

He sure is. My all-time favorite player, in case you couldn't guess by the screen name....

[Pony_Fan]

That is killer. When do the Clipps play the Mavs?

[LA_Mustang]

This story should be posted on the front page of PF.com. There isn't a better representative of our fine University than The Q.

[LA_Mustang]

I just went to the Clipper website and this is the feature story with a pic of Q on the front page:

http://www.nba.com/clippers/index.html

Go there and vote for Q in the poll for which newcomer will make the biggest impact in 04-05.

And this story was in today's LA Times:

CLIPPER REPORT
Young Backup Guards Could Get Their Time

By Jerry Crowe, Times Staff Writer

With starting guards Marko Jaric and Kerry Kittles out because of injuries, the Clippers have given long looks in training camp to rookies Shaun Livingston, Lionel Chalmers and Quinton Ross.

For better or worse, they're the Clipper kiddy cavalry.

"We've made a little bet on our backcourt," Coach Mike Dunleavy said, acknowledging that among the 13 Clippers with guaranteed contracts, the backup guards are the only ones who have never played in the NBA.

Ross, 23, played in Belgium last season. Chalmers, who turns 24 next month, played at Xavier. Livingston, 19, was in high school.

"I'm optimistic about where we'll end up with these guys," Dunleavy said. "The decision now is, how far do I push the envelope?"

Of course, either Corey Maggette or Bobby Simmons could slide into the backcourt, but they're most effective, and comfortable, as forwards.

So, the rookie guards have been brought along quickly at practice in Santa Barbara.

Livingston, potentially a premier playmaker, has defended better and "played at a higher level of intensity" than Dunleavy had anticipated. Chalmers, who also is a point guard, has shot the ball confidently, Dunleavy said, and shown an ability to beat traps. And Ross, a shooting guard cut by the Clippers a year ago, has defended at a high level and "just been terrific all over the place," the coach said.

[indianmustang]

lets hope he will do SMU proud

[Corso]

.... And Ross, a shooting guard cut by the Clippers a year ago, has defended at a high level and "just been terrific all over the place," the coach said.

That's the best line in the whole story.

And of course he'll do SMU proud - he always has.
Go get 'em, Q!

[LA_Mustang]

The Q started yesterday in the opening pre-season game for the Clip. They lost to the Suns, 105-83. Q played 18 mins, 1-3 FG, 2 pts, 3 boards, 1 steal, 1 TO. He was guarding the league's other Q, Quentin Richardson, who was 8-15 FG with 22 pts and 2 TOs.