Backup Kings guard Mateen Cleaves is a huge football fan, having been quite the high school quarterback in Flint, Mich.

Cleaves has a special affinity for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season, because good friend and former Michigan State Spartan Plaxico Burress is one of their wide receivers.

"I've known him since our second year in college, but I'd heard of him as an All-American receiver in high school," Cleaves said of Burress, who has blossomed this season after a subpar rookie campaign.

Cleaves said Burress, 6-foot-6, also has basketball skills.