Around The Rim

Keith Van Horn sent a note of support last week to former Nets teammate Jayson Williams, who has been charged with manslaughter and obstructing the law in the Feb. 14 fatal shooting of limousine driver Costas Christofi. "Jayson helped me through a lot in my first year," says Van Horn, "and I want him to know I'm thinking of him and praying for him and everyone involved."...

If 27-year-old American center Nate Huffman had doubts about leaving Maccabi Tel Aviv for the NBA, they've been eradicated by the rash of suicide bombings in Israel. "I feel sorry for the people here who send their kids to school not knowing if they'll ever return," says the 7-foot Huffman, the former Central Michigan star and reigning European player of the year who was averaging 19.3 points and 7.5 rebounds (in 40-minute games) through Sunday. "You're scared to go to one of the little streetside caf�s in case some nutso comes in with a backpack. I've seen enough of this place." The Grizzlies, Nuggets and 76ers have shown interest in Huffman.