'We talkin about practice?': Iverson not interested to coach in NBA

MANILA, Philippines -- Retired NBA superstar Allen Iverson is not entertaining any thoughts of a league comeback via the coaching route.

The former top overall pick of the Philadelphia 76ers has closed down that door even before it opens.

"Nah, I would never want to coach," Iverson told a group of reporters during the All In Charity Game press conference on Tuesday at the NBA Cafe Manila here.

"We would never do a practice," the former NBA MVP said in jest trying to inject a little humor in reference to his infamous 'practice rant' during the 2001-02 season following his first and only trip to the NBA Finals.

Iverson is in the country for a two-day charity event organized by PCWorx that will culminate with him in what could be his first and only coaching stint.

 

Former NBA Allen Iverson isn't entertaining any idea of getting back to the NBA via coaching with a little humor of his infamous "we talkin about practice" rant: I don't want to be a coach. We would never do practice (laughs)"

A video posted by alderalmo (@alderalmo) on

Nov 11, 2014 at 10:54pm PST

He will coach Ball Up, a streetball team, in an exhibition game against PBA's two-time Grandslam coach Tim Cone and a collection of collegiate stars from the UAAP and NCAA that will be beefed by ex-NBA players Eddy Curry and DerMarr Johnson at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.

Iverson promised entertainment just like the way he provided highlight reels with his streetball ways in a colorful NBA career that started in 1996 and ended in 2011.

"This team, this roster is all about excitement. These guys always put on a show," Iverson said of the BallUp squad led by Grayson Boucher who is more popularly known in the streetball as The Professor.

Boucher will be joined by Larry “Bone Collector” Williams, Taurian “Air Up There” Fontanette, Gary “G-Smith” Smith, Aaron “AO” Owens, Anthony “Mr. Afrika” Pimble and Ryan “Special FX” Williams.

Iverson just clarified though that his coaching stint here will just be one-shot deal. He said it's his way of giving back to the game that was generous to him.

“So many people helped me along the way, helping somebody else is a no-brainer for me,” said the 11-time NBA All Star.

Three years removed from the game, Iverson just want to make up for the lost time with his five kids. He was almost entirely away from his family during his NBA career that started in 1996 and ended in 2011.

"What keeps me busy is being father to my kids. That's enough. That in itself is hardwork," said the 39-year old Iverson.

“I love just being a full-time dad, living with my kids. I lost a lot of opportunities, time with them (because of) playing in the league, travelling all the time,” Iverson added.