The question, posed to new 76ers head coach Randy Ayers, was innocent enough. A reporter wanted to know what the biggest difference would be between Ayers' tenure and that of his predecessor, Larry Brown.

The answer came from the other end of the dais, from chairman Ed Snider.

"The biggest difference," Snider said, enjoying the moment, "is he won't quit each year."

There will be, of course, other differences in the Sixers. Some of them came to light yesterday, during Ayers' introductory news conference and a follow-up session with Sixers star Allen Iverson.

One thing that will remain the same is Bob Bender's presence on the coaching staff. Bender, the former University of Washington coach, joined the team this season.