Sometimes, respect comes

simply because of the man - the way he carries himself; handles his business as a professional; approaches life as a human being.

As a player, Kevin Ollie hasn't had that dramatic of an impact on the 76ers. But as a person, his fingerprints are all over a surprising young team that has defined itself through grit, determination and work ethic.

"It's funny that you should mention Allen Iverson or Andre Iguodala," Sixers third-year guard Lou Williams said. "Those guys who mentored me also look up to K.O. [Ollie] as well.

"He's one of those guys who

always carries himself as a professional. He's the big brother in the locker room who everybody goes to for advice. He's always there as a shoulder to lean on. He's been really key for my growth as a pro."

If Ollie were a former MVP and multiple All-Star like Iverson, it would be easy to understand why young players would gravitate to him.

Ollie, now in his 11th season as an undrafted free agent out of Connecticut, is the definition of NBA journeyman, however.

The first 6 years of his career are a file cabinet of 10-day contracts, waiver slips and stints in minor leagues.

He never lasted a full season with any single team until the 2003-04 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 5-year contract the Sixers inherited from Cleveland in a trade for Eric Snow was the first multiyear deal Ollie had ever signed.

But as Ollie likes to tell his teammates, what doesn't destroy you makes you stronger, and the 35-year-old veteran has gained tempered-steel strength during his NBA journey.

"Some people don't respect you and still look down on you," Ollie conceded. "They think, 'He doesn't know what he's talking about, he's never been to an All-Star Game, did this or that.'

"But other guys look at what you've been through and gravitate to it, especially when they are going through trials and tribulations."

Williams talks about how Ollie helped him in the early part of the 2006-07 season when the

guard, in his second season, was sent down to the NBA Development League.

"We weren't sure which way I was going to go with my career, and Kevin started telling me about how he had to play in the CBA and went back and forth

being in the NBA," Williams said. "He was instrumental in helping me with my confidence and keeping my head up.

"Any time K.O. has something to say, I listen with open ears

because I know he's been through it and wouldn't lead me in the wrong direction."

Not all players are suited to the role of mentor, and when you don't have a big, guaranteed

contract or aren't a star, it might be counterproductive to your

career to actively help develop your possible replacement.

Ollie doesn't view it that way.

"It's just a role I grew into," he said. "It's mainly being as spiritual as I am, believing in God. Looking at life and the world through His grace allows me to be considerate toward others.

"I don't go in trying to take anyone under my wing. They have fathers, father figures and other people who mentor them. It's just a matter of trying to be there for them.

"I don't just go up to people saying, 'Here's my advice,' like I know everything. But if they need some wisdom that I can provide, I'm there."

The NBA can be an intimidating place for a rookie, especially a lottery pick like Sixers forward Thaddeus Young, who played just one season at Georgia Tech and at 19 is one of the youngest players in the league.

"Kevin has been a big value to me," said Young, who has blossomed as the season has gone on. "He's just teaching me the ropes, how things go as far as the rookie/veteran system.

"He's helped with things on the court and off the court. He's very businesslike and professional. He comes in with the mind-set that he is going to work hard every day, and that rubs off on you."

Coach Maurice Cheeks said

Ollie's professional attitude on and off the court is priceless to his team.

"[Ollie] helps us out as coaches tremendously because he's all about the right things on and off the basketball court," Cheeks said.

Ollie says if this is the role he is to play with this team, he's fine with it.

"Part of my place on this team is to be a hub player that people can come up to and talk to," he said. "I embrace that role because we've got some great young guys here, not just great young talents, but great young people on and off the court.

"They are eager to learn as much as possible, so I just try to relay some of my experiences to possibly help them." *

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