Alonzo Mourning is ready to work with Greg Oden as part of his duties as Miami Heat vice president of player programs.

"Extremely excited, extremely excited," Mourning said, "because I understand the potential that he has."

Mourning helped recruit Oden in recent months.

"I had some words with him, yes," he said. "We were able to spend some time together."

Mourning sees Oden as a potential difference-maker.

"I know that if healthy, the impact that he can have on this franchise," he said. "Just him being 25 years old, I feel that the longevity of the possibility of him playing, that longevity will continue to stimulate a winning opportunity with the organization."