MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- For an ultracompetitive personality like Mateen Cleaves, waiting for a longshot opportunity to play the game he loves might be as tough as things could get.

His is a name that has had "All-American" tacked onto it for what seems like forever.

Remember, this was the guy who led Michigan State to the 2000 NCAA basketball title on a bum ankle and was named the Final Four MVP. He was a standout quarterback at Flint (Mich.) Northern High School and could have played in college had he not injured his back