Wir suchen Dich! » the way for suspended nose tackle

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A week ago after waking up in Paris to flurry of congratulatory text messages, Serge Ibaka wasnt quite sure how to feel about the NBA draft-night trade that landed him in Orlando.But one text message in particular helped him feel better about his transition from the Oklahoma City Thunder -- a team contending for an NBA championship -- to a young team trying to figure out how to make the postseason.One of things that made me feel good at that moment was Dad texted me, Ibaka said Thursday at a news conference. Before I could get excited and happy, my dad was happy. He congratulated me and said he was real happy for me. Thats what changed everything at the moment.This is a business, and things happen for a reason. So Im happy to be here and for my family and for my daughter.The Magic aggressively went after Ibaka, trading Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova and the rights to Domantas Sabonis (the No. 11 overall pick) to land the veteran power forward. They were looking for an inside presence and leadership; Ibaka, who went deep into the playoffs four of the past six seasons, gives them both.Orlando hopes the 6-foot-10 Ibaka is the player the Magic were missing last season as they fell short of making the playoffs for the fourth straight year. The three-time NBA All-Defensive first team member is one of the leagues top shot-blockers.Serge Ibaka is such an important piece to taking this organization to where we want to take it, to become a defensive monster, be one of the best defensive teams in the league, said coach Frank Vogel, who was hired by the Magic last month after coaching the Indiana Pacers. We are going to preach defense as much as I always have. But you have to have the people that can get the job done.Ibaka, 26, said he is looking forward to a likely expanded role that will include being more of a leader and offensive presence while certainly adding the defensive muscle the team needs.It feels good, said Ibaka, a native of Congo. I feel like my first year in the league; Im that excited. Im looking forward to the new challenge. I know its not going to be easier. Thats how we become great when we beat the challenges in front of you.Ibaka had a dip in productivity last season with the Thunder, averaging 12.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocked shots. In Orlando, he will be looked to be versatile enough to play both power forward and center when needed. This team will look much different than the Thunder team he is coming from that was headlined by stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.Ibaka said he is up for the challenge as he takes what he learned over the last seven seasons to Orlando.They have great guys and young talent. Its always good to know I am going to work with good people, Ibaka said. Im excited because I know Im going to bring to them.Air Max 270 React Bauhaus AT6174-002 .Y. -- Leading 3-0 with only 11:25 left, the Colorado Avalanche committed a seemingly meaningless penalty to give the New York Islanders a power play. Air Max 270 Off White For Sale . -- Jonathan Drouin gave Halifax the boost it needed to edge host Sherbrooke Phoenix 3-2 in a shootout in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action. http://www.max270cheap.com/air-max-270-mens-sale.html .C. -- Chris Thorburn thinks one of the reasons the Winnipeg Jets have been successful under new coach Paul Maurice is that theyre playing together as a team. Nike Air Max 270 React Bauhaus Cheap .C. -- Charlotte Bobcats coach Steve Clifford said after all of these years in the NBA hes still amazed at some of the things LeBron James does. Nike Air Max 270 Clearance . Andreas Johnson had a goal and two assists while Jacob de la Rose also scored for Sweden (2-0-0). Esa Lindell and Rasmus Ristolainen replied for Finland (1-1-0) Lindell opened the scoring for Finland just 41 seconds into the game, but the hosts quickly regained their composure and tied the score less than four minutes later on Wennbergs first of the game.COLFAX, Wash. -- A judge has cleared the way for suspended nose tackle Robert Barber to resume playing football for No. 20 Washington State.Whitman County Superior Judge David Frazier on Wednesday granted Barbers request for a temporary stay of his suspension from the university for a fight last summer.The Spokesman-Review reports (http://apne.ws/2ghVuNW ) that the stay was granted on the condition that Barber not attempt to contact the student who was injured at a house party, use drugs or attend parties where drugs and alcohol are present.ddddddddddddWashington State coach Mike Leach has said Barber is welcome to rejoin the team if he is cleared to return to school.Pullman police are still investigating the incident and no criminal charges have been filed.---Information from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesman.com ' ' '