Former Heat Player Alec Kessler Dies

Former Heat forward Alec Kessler died Saturday of an apparent heart attack after he collapsed during a pickup basketball game.

Kessler was pronounced dead at Gulf Breeze Hospital in Pensacola, according to a release from the University of Georgia, where he starred in the late 1980s. He was 40.

Kessler played for the Heat from 1990 until 1994 and averaged 5.2 and 3.6 rebounds in 210 games. He was a member of the Heat's early 1990s teams that included Rony Seikaly, Grant Long, Glen Rice and current Heat assistant Keith Askins.

Kessler retired from the NBA shortly after his time with the Heat to attend medical school, and he had been working as an orthopedic surgeon. The Heat released a statement offering condolences over Kessler's ''sudden and untimely'' death.

''Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family,'' the team said.

Kessler is survived by his wife Rhea, and sons Nicholas and Christopher.

CLOSING THE GAP

Three consecutive preseason losses to Southeast Division rivals provided the Heat an idea of just how tough winning a fourth consecutive division title might be this season.

The Heat lost Wednesday to the Hawks, Friday to the Magic and Saturday to the Bobcats. All three made major offseason additions through the draft or free agency.

The Heat did not face Magic forward Rashard Lewis (ankle injury) or Bobcats guard Jason Richardson (excused for the birth of his child). But Heat forward Udonis Haslem said the upgrades were noticeable.

''It's not going to be a situation where in years past we kind of ran away with the division and everyone was chasing us,'' he said. ``It'll come down to the last few games.''

CONFIDENCE BOOST

First-round draft pick Daequan Cook said his confidence is growing with each preseason game. He led the Heat with 10 points in Saturday's loss to the Bobcats.

But Cook said he still has plenty of work to do to gain coach Pat Riley's trust and earn a spot in the rotation. Cook is a long shot among the candidates to fill in at shooting guard until Dwyane Wade returns from offseason knee and shoulder surgeries.

''Coach is giving me a lot of time and a lot of looks and I'm just trying to show what I can do,'' Cook said.

``It's intense for me right now because I want to show that I am capable of playing this season.''

source : miamiherald.com