Two weeks ago in Phoenix, Ariz., Donny Marshall of the Kansas City Knights picked up a message off his cell phone.  The caller was Rod Thorn, GM of the New Jersey Nets. Marshall called back immediately and Thorn told him he wanted to sign him to a 10-day contract.

A former all-Big East forward out of Connecticut, the 6-7, 230-pound Marshall spent two-plus seasons in the NBA after being drafted by the Cavaliers in 1995. His last time in the league was a six-game stint in 1999-2000. He spent three weeks with the Nets in preseason, and was the last cut.

Wayne Coffey of the New York Daily News chronicles Marshall's first 10 days with the Nets in a well-written article about the 10-day contract that is "one part golden opportunity and one part anxiety-filled crucible. It is unlike anything in sports, a 240-hour audition that ultimately can mean the difference between big time and small time; millions and thousands; the fulfillment of a dream, or the dashing of it."