After a 2003 season that yielded him little playing time until starter Kenny Anderson was injured in December, Jamal Tinsley?s perseverance and youthful energy is now paying off.  This year Mr. Tinsley comes into Pacers training camp as the starting point guard.

"A year ago, things were much different for him and for the team," coach Rick Carlisle said. "In a year's time, he's become a guy that's proven he deserves the job to be the starter. He's become a guy that's shown he has real leadership ability."

Tinsley was a key element in the Pacers playoff run last season and will undoubtedly be for 2004/2005.

"The point guard job is his job," Carlisle said. "It's his job to lose, and frankly I don't expect him to lose it.