Coach says starting job for JJ Hickson is in trouble because he doesn't know schemes

JJ Hickson still doesn't know the Princeton offense, Scott said, and he's quickly running out of time.

''He's one we're counting on to play a major role in what we're doing. Right now, from an offensive standpoint, he's not understanding what we're trying to do,'' Scott said. ''That's disappointing, especially as much as we go through it every day.''

Scott has been passively trying to motivate Hickson throughout training camp. He said last week the starting job at forward was his to lose, and that if he demonstrated an ability to stay

focused on defense, he would start. If he didn't, Antawn Jamison would start.

Now Scott is upset with Hickson's lack of knowledge in the halfcourt offense, too, and conceded that he still has a long way to go on both ends of the floor.

Hickson has had three weeks to learn what Scott demands. Now he has five days until the Cavs begin the season Wednesday against Boston.

''I'm not very confident that he'll have it down pat,'' Scott said. ''But it won't be because of a lack of effort on our end.

''It's just lack of focus. He wants to do it, but sometimes he's 22 years old and he comes to practice and he's not focused. This is a job and something you have to take seriously. There's nobody in that locker room that has an excuse because they have a video playbook and they have a playbook. They can go home and watch it on DVD, go home and open the book up and we're always available. So there's really no excuse. He has to get a little better and take it more seriously.''

Jamison has made it clear he wants to start, but will keep quiet and do what is best for the team if Scott decides to make him the sixth man.

''We need him to be focused on and off the court and he knows that,'' Jamison said of Hickson. ''He's taken on that role that's different than what it was in the past. Now he has to act it out.

''But on the other hand, it's my job to make sure that if things aren't done right, you have to really let him know that he can't be the weak link at all offensively or defensively. You want that title to be a household name in the NBA, you've gotta do it on and off the court.'