FORD TOUGH: Vipers' center brings power to the paint

PHARR - Alton Ford rose into the air, met the basketball with his hand and slammed it down to the court. The ball bounced high toward the ceiling, off the court and onto the top of an adjacent office at the Summit Sports Club in Pharr. Ford punctuated the emphatic blocked shot with a scream that was more jolting than a four-pack of Red Bull.

Ford's singular play at the end of Monday's practice symbolized a couple of things: first, it won't be easy for opponents when they come into the paint against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers this season, and secondly, he's back after a long stint away from the public's consciousness.

At 6-foot-9, 275 pounds, the Vipers are expecting Ford will protect the rim and find his way to the bucket, beginning with Friday night's NBA Development League season opener against the Tulsa 66ers at Dodge Arena in Hidalgo. Ford, a Houston native, was awarded to the Vipers as an allocation player, and as long as he's with the team that should be a gift that keeps on giving.

"Motivation for me is just being with a team," Ford said. "I think it's a great situation and maybe have a chance at the NBA again. Just take it one day at a time and see what happens."

Ford knows all about the NBA, as he was a second-round draft pick by the Phoenix Suns in 2001 after playing one season of college basketball at the University of Houston. After a brief stint with the Rockets in '03 Ford migrated overseas. His passport has stamps from France, China, Poland and Bosnia on it.

The 27-year-old Ford learned from his NBA days that elite skills aren't what necessarily keep one in the league. Instead, it's coming to practice early and staying late that can lead to longevity in the NBA, where Ford averaged 3.1 points per game in 53 games.

Occasionally contemplating that, Ford has spent the last five years playing in other continents. Now he's driven to return to the NBA. Ford realizes that, of course, the way to do that is to lead the Vipers to prominence.

"I signed a contract to play for the Vipers," the 27-year-old said. "If I get called up, it's a plus. My job now is to get better with the guys that are here and to win games. Hopefully that can show for everybody and make everybody better, draw more fans and more attention to the team. I think it will work for everyone."

Vipers coach Clay Moser envisions Ford and 6-10 power forward Kendall Dartez providing toughness inside and deterring opponents away from the hoop, as long as both are with the team.

A long-time scout for the Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors, Moser can envision Ford making a return to the league as long as he continues to use his overpowering strength.

"He's a guy who can definitely get back because he's never had a serious injury, he's never really done anything to harm his situation," Moser said. "But he is an undersized guy either at the four or the five by NBA standards.

"But we're not concerned about what he'll do here because he's so big and strong that whatever he (doesn't give) us height-wise, he'll create that space that he needs with just brute strength. He is just strong as an ox."

Todd Mavreles covers the Rio Grande Valley Vipers for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 683-4451.