CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Oct 3, 1997 - 20:15 EDT) -- While the relationship between Larry Brown and Derrick Coleman may be off to a rocky start, Brown and Allen Iverson are having no such difficulties.

Iverson, the immensely talented 1996-97 NBA Rookie of the Year, had nothing but praise for Brown on Friday after the first day of training camp, and said he's looking forward to playing for the coach, as well as teaming up with off-season additions Jimmy Jackson, Eric Montross and rookie Tim Thomas.

"This is going to be a different year because we have a lot of weapons," Iverson said. "We have a coach who's proven himself in this league. I'll learn a lot from coach Brown."

Iverson also claims he learned a great deal from an August incident that led to him pleading no contest to carrying a loaded handgun. On Friday, the league suspended Iverson from this year's regular-season opener because of the plea.

Earl Hill, 32, was driving Iverson's Mercedes at 93 mph in a 65 mph zone near Richmond, Va., early Aug. 3. A police officer found two marijuana cigarettes in the vehicle after smelling the drug.

Iverson received two years probation and cannot own a gun during that time. He also must undergo regular drug testing.

"I was with somebody I really didn't know about that night," said Iverson, 22. "It turned out to be something bad. I just want to be smart. "I wasn't with any friends. It was all over some business-type thing. I went with a producer to a studio and everything went south from there."

Iverson said the hard line Brown took with him over his involvement was justified.

"He came at me real straight," Iverson said. "I respect that. He has kids. I deserve any type of punishment I get. I made a mistake. I need to learn from it."

Iverson spent the summer striving to improve his all-around game. He wants to be a more effective player than the one who averaged 23.5 points, 7.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and a league-high 4.4 turnovers on a 22-60 Sixers team.

"I felt my first year was a great experience for me," said Iverson. "I learned so much on and off the basketball court. It's going to help a lot."

Brown claims Iverson has the ability to become "the best guard in the league at both ends of the floor."

Brown says Iverson reminds him of Isiah Thomas at this stage. Iverson smiled upon learning of the assessment.

"To hear ... (that) makes me want to work that much harder," said Iverson. "We talked about my style on the basketball court, how I have to cut down my turnovers and how there can't be any distractions off the basketball court. I'm so excited."