PLAYER NEWS: --C Jeff Foster will have a different look during the preseason. Foster, the elder statesman on the Pacers roster, will have to wear a mask after taking a shot in the nose from seldom-used power forward Josh McRoberts during voluntary workouts at Conseco Fieldhouse. Foster underwent minor surgery for the injury. He didn't miss much time, as he was back on the court working out a couple days after the surgery. --C Roy Hibbert may be joining the Jamaican national team, according to an Internet report. SportsJamaica.com reported that Hibbert, the Pacers second-year center, has expressed interest in playing for the Jamaican national team since he has linage to the country. Jamaica won the Caribbean championship. Hibbert, who played on Team USA during the 2007 Pan Am Games, will have to get permission from USA Basketball, the Pacers and FIBA first before he can play with the Jamaican team.
--G T.J. Ford doesn't believe he'll have any problems in coach Jim O'Brien's system after enduring an up-and-down first year with the Pacers last season. Ford, who prefers to use his speed to beat his man off the dribble, had a difficult time grasping O'Brien's pass-first offensive philosophy.
"Last year, it was a little difficult because he had so many new guys," Ford said. "It's a unique style, definitely different as far as freelance goes. There's also a lot of structure to it at the same time."
Ford, who ended last season coming off the bench, won't have to worry about looking over his shoulder this season because he's the clear-cut starter. Earl Watson, who signed a one-year deal during the summer, will back him up.
"Things should be easier this season now that I have a year under my belt," he said. "That's why I'm really anxious about camp starting. I know what the coaching staff is looking for and I have a better understanding of things."
MEDICAL WATCH:
--G Mike Dunleavy could return for the season opener against Atlanta on Oct. 28 after undergoing right knee surgery in March.
--F Tyler Hansbrough is out because of a lingering right shin injury, which happened while he was at the University of North Carolina.
DRAFT PICKS:
Tyler Hansbrough, F, 6-9, North Carolina (first round) -- Pacers love Hansbrough's energy. He's been described as a young Jeff Foster with a better offensive game. Hansbrough's arrival means the Pacers are more likely to try to trade Foster.
A.J. Price, G, 6-2, Connecticut (second round) -- Price is a long shot to make the team since the Pacers already have two point guards on the roster and could have a third one if they re-sign Jarrett Jack.
