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Seattle SuperSonics rookie Roger Powell could be speaking about his new team's 2004-05 season, but he's not. Instead, that's Powell's description of his 2004-05 campaign at the University of Illinois, a season that saw the Illini win their first 29 games and ended with just their second defeat in the NCAA Championship Game.

"We loved playing the game together. We went a long way." Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

A role player on a deep Illinois team that boasted lottery-pick Deron Williams, first-round selection Luther Head and a third star in Dee Brown (who declared for the NBA Draft, but pulled out and returned to Illinois for his senior season after breaking his foot in the Chicago Pre-Draft Camp), Powell has found a similar team in the Sonics.

"I really believe that this is a great fit, because it's the same kind of team I had in college," says Powell. "I really think this team has some great things ahead of them. I see a lot of success, because we work hard and it's a family atmosphere. When you have that togetherness, a hard-working attitude and a will to win, there's no way you won't be successful."

A key part of that family atmosphere, to Powell, has been Sonics All-Star guard Ray Allen. Last season, Allen took an active role in the mentoring process for undrafted rookie Damien Wilkins, and he's doing something similar this year.

"He's a star player, but he's down to earth and he's very receptive to the young guys," says Powell. "He talks to us. He encourages us, gives us compliments, gives us positive criticism. He's been great."

Like any undrafted rookie who arrives at his first NBA training camp as an invitee, Powell faces tough odds to make the Sonics roster. He's battling three other players - guards Mateen Cleaves and Alex Scales and forward Noel Felix - for what will likely be one spot on the Sonics final roster, if any. However, Powell is also aware of the Sonics past training camp success stories, like Reggie Evans, Richie Frahm and Wilkins.

"They have a lot of history picking up free agents, guys who weren't drafted," Powell says, explaining his decision to attend camp with the Sonics. "I thought that I would have a good opportunity to come in and make the team with my heart and my hard work, the way I play. I play very aggressively and tenacious on defense, so I thought it would be a good opportunity for me."

On the court, the 6-6 Powell is making the shift from power forward, where he played in Illinois' four-guard attack, to small forward. He believes that shift has gone well so far.

"This summer I was able to do that a lot more," says Powell, who played summer league with the Dallas Mavericks. "The biggest thing that I've been working on is defending the threes (small forwards), defending the twos (shooting guards). That's something that I take a lot of pride in, my defense. I'm getting better at it every day."

Powell has impressed with his physical defense during camp, drawing comparisons to Portland forward Ruben Patterson.

On offense, Powell notes that playing alongside the caliber of offensive stars the Sonics have on the roster, he doesn't need to score a lot of points or create shots for himself.

"Basically, if I'm able to run the offense, get to the offensive glass, make great passes, make smart decisions with the ball, don't try to do too much - that's exactly what this team said they need," explains Powell. "That's what I'm trying to focus on. The other stuff, it will come with more work."

"I expected that it was going to be tough, that it was going to be fun, and that's exactly what it is." Jeff Reinking/NBAE/Getty

During Illinois' NCAA Tournament run last spring, Powell drew attention from the national media as much for his faith as for his performance on the court. Known to teammates as "The Rev," Powell is a licensed Pentecostal minister who has preached to his congregation back home in Joliet, Ill. on several occasions.

"The guys have really been very welcoming with that," says Powell.

"That's what my team calls me. In college, I would lead the team in prayer all the time. That's what everybody knows me for - my faith in Jesus Christ."

Before the Sonics home preseason opener on Friday, Powell took out his Bible - with "The Rev. Roger Powell" on the spine - and wrote Biblical phrases on his shoes, a tradition of his.

"When I look down at my shoes, it really gives me motivation," says Powell. "I write certain things that can motivate me. Here's my favorite one, Philippians 4:13 - 'I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.' That's the kind of verses I write on there that really give me motivation."

In his first game in an NBA uniform, Powell scored three points, all at the free-throw line, and grabbed a rebound in seven minutes of action last Wednesday at Portland. Because of the Sonics depth, Powell may not make their roster this season, but his performance during camp has opened eyes nonetheless.

"There's not a guy that is in the gym who cannot play in the NBA," Sonics Coach Bob Weiss said recently, discussing the ability of the Sonics invitees.

Powell has had a good time along the way.

"I expected that it was going to be tough, that it was going to be fun, and that's exactly what it is," he says. "It's been hard work. The guys are good, they're talented, but I'm able to compete. You play hard. The guys are very welcoming too. I'm very excited to be a part of it - I wouldn't trade it for the world."