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Email Story to a Friend July 1, 2006 Newly-drafted Portland Trail Blazers players, from left, LaMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy and Joel Freeland hold their jerseys as they are introduced to students Friday at Peninsula Elementary School in Portland. (Associated Press) Fresh Faces The Associated Press PORTLAND — The Portland Trail Blazers introduced new players forward LaMarcus Aldridge, guard Brandon Roy and forward Joel Freeland at an elementary school news conference Friday and passed out free popsicles to the kids. Flanked by team President and interim General Manager Steve Patterson and coach Nate McMillan, the new players were enthusiastic. Aldridge and Roy were acquired early in the first round of Wednesday's NBA draft via draft-day trades. Freeland was drafted 30th overall in the first round. "I'm just going to come out here and work hard," said Aldridge, in response to a question on whether he expected to start next year. "Coach's got me playing the point in the summer league and it feels like an honor," Roy said. "I don't see it as too much pressure. I've worked hard to get to this point." Freeland, a 6-foot-11 forward who spent last season in Spain, talked of his route to the NBA. Advertisement "I worked at a grocery store for two years," Freeland said to laughs. "I was a checkout cashier and a bagger. And I played soccer for eight years. Then I switched to basketball when soccer didn't pan out." Aldridge, who played college ball at the University of Texas, was selected by the Chicago Bulls as the second overall pick and traded to Portland for the Blazers' fourth pick, LSU's Tyrus Thomas. "It's been a crazy last few days," Aldridge said, wearing a huge grin. Aldridge and Roy also took time to address Portland's future as a team. "I just want to come in, fit in and work hard," Roy said. "I think the image of this team is changing--it shows from the draft class that they brought in." "I'm excited about this," Roy said. "I think we have a good group of young guys and we're going to get to know each other quick." Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Discount Hotel Reservations --> online casinos news Ashley Furniture HomeStore Send Flowers California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Sports Equipment Entertainment Guide --> Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Online Casino Reviews Advertisement s