Pat Croce: There was an eight-year playoff drought here, and the resurgence of the Sixers and rejuvenation of the fans has brought a passion to the streets of Philadelphia that hadn't been here since the championship years. I shaved my head, and Croce crewcuts became vogue. They had barber chairs set up outside the arena, and lines were hundreds long -- women included. It was pretty wild.
PB: I know you're not the one-word type, but what one word best describes Allen Iverson?
PC: Warrior. Stone-cold warrior. He'll play hurt, he'll play every minute of every game. He goes into the lane and smacks into those massive men with reckless, relentless abandon.
PB: Iverson's life is an open book. What's something about him that no one else knows?
PC: His love for children; Allen loves putting smiles on kids' faces. He's a big kid himself. He'd rather not deal with adults.
PB: To what do you credit his maturation?
PC: Allen wants the [championship] ring and the respect it brings. He's got some serious jewelry already, but he doesn't have the one you can't buy.
Also, his fear of being traded helped teach him what being a professional means: being on time, working hard, being a leader on and off the court. His mother had something to do with his maturation too, as did Coach Brown, General Manager Billy King and Magic Johnson. We met Magic last summer at Allen's celebrity softball game, and Magic gave him some really good input. He respects Magic.
PB: Has Iverson read your book?
PC: He started to read it and told me, "You're a crazy mother."
PB: Have you listened to his album? It's got people pretty freaked out.
PC: I haven't listened to it. When I saw those lyrics, it scared the bejesus out of me, because I knew trouble would follow.
PB: Do you wake up each morning and wonder if this will be the day when Iverson and your team combust?
