Who hears a Horton? Heat preseason "tryouts"

Well, folks, it is that time of year again. On the eve of the final preseason matchup, where our Heat face the up-and-coming Magic in Orlando, there will be something to play for - a roster spot.

Right now, it seems that the final spot on the 15 man roster is up for grabs and there are basically three men in the race - Antonio Burks, Chris Quinn and Robert Hite.

Burks was signed away from the Grizzlies, and was expected to contend for the backup-backup PG spot the Heat need to fill (Jason Williams won't be back from knee surgery until mid-November). Yet, some serious competition arose along the way.

Quinn, the Fighting Irish alumnus is battling along with Robert Hite, the ex-Cane, for that spot that was all but assured to Burks.

Hite is displaying an electric offensive touch, scoring efficiently and effectively all preseason. He dropped 25 points on 10-14 shooting in only 25 minutes against the Grizzlies while Quinn had a solid game scoring 4 points with 5 assists and one turnover.

There was much speculation about the guys being brought in - Vincent Grier and Daniel Horton are all but forgotten now - and their possibility of making the championship squad. It will come down to a final showing against Orlando tomorrow night. Stay tuned, but it looks like Hite has emerged as the favorite, with Riley speaking very highly of him and his athleticism and quickness.

It wouldn't be the first time a Cane made the Heat's roster - Tim James and Darius Rice being others who paved the way, but neither could stick.