It didn’t take long for the extra practice to pay dividends.   Noel began knocking down shots from beyond the arc with regularity, beating some of the Sonics veteran guards in shooting drills.  In his first preseason game, Felix took down his first two shots, both from just inside the three-point line.

“I’d always been more of an inside player. I worked hard and gained confidence with my outside shot.  I realize that in the NBA I’ll find myself at small forward a lot, so I have to be ready to shoot when I’m open.”

Coming into the training camp, Felix knew it was a long shot that he’d make the team.  The Sonics had only one roster spot available. Mateen Cleaves came into camp with a partially guaranteed contract.  Felix was one of six players vying for that sole spot.

“I tried to ignore everything I couldn’t control and just play basketball.”

On October 29th, two days before the start of the NBA season, Sonics’ general manager Rick Sund called Felix into his office to tell him that he was getting cut.  Though the Seattle organization liked what they saw from him, Cleaves was awarded the final spot.

“Felix is obviously NBA caliber talent,” said then head coach Bob Weiss.  “He’s someone we’ll keep an eye on.”

“Right now I’m proud to be in the CBA,” said Felix.  “But I know I’ll be in the NBA one day.  I have no doubt.”

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