Re: Desert Classic News From George Rodecker

[Way Of The Ray <wayray@ix.netcom.com>]

> Correction from a previous post: It's Tony Parker, the
> Franco-American point guard.
>
> http://www.sportsline.com/u/ce/feature/0,1518,3855998_54,00.html
>
> Desert Classic: Day 2
> By George Rodecker
> Special to SportsLine.com
>
> PHOENIX -- Nebraska's Kimani Ffriend was the most impressive player on
> the second day of the Desert Classic.
>
> During a scrimmage (two 15-minute halves) in which no stats are kept,
> Ffriend scored nearly 20 points, dominated interior play at the
> offensive end, and delivered tenacious defense.
>
> Ffriend, who skipped Portsmouth citing injuries, has skyrocketed up the
> pros' list of prospects. He has the opportunity to thrust himself into
> the draft mix with a solid performance in the three games he'll play
> between tonight and Saturday.
>
> Rashad Phillips continues to impress scouts with his speed and the
> ability to create havoc for defenders. Philips might be one of the new
> breed of point guards. As NBA teams start to put the Speedy Claxtons and
> Earl Boykins on their rosters, opponents will need someone capable of
> defending diminutive, lightening quick lead guards.
>
> Phillips has burning speed, an uncanny ability to find room for his
> shot, and has made that shot more often than anyone else here. Phillips
> remains a solid candidate for the late first round or early second round
> of the draft.
>
> Martin Rancik continues to do all the little things well. He gives a
> consistent solid effort every minute on the floor, with energy and zeal.
> Rancik enjoys the contact that playing inside offers, yet can handle the
> ball and create opportunities for himself. Some scouts believe that, at
> the very worst, he's a mid-second-round pick.
>
> Play of the night
> Near the end of Wednesday's second scrimmage, Horace Jenkins fed Terence
> Morris the ball out near the 3-point line. The 6-foot-9 Morris calmly
> set up himself for the shot and, as he released the shot, UCLA's 6-1
> Earl Watson delivered an emphatic block, sending the ball careening off
> of Morris.
>
> Who else was hot
> Oregon's Bryan Bracey -- solid, up-and-down-the-court effort; good with
> the ball; playing with lots of energy.
> Michigan State's Charlie Bell -- tough on both sides of the ball;
> perhaps second only to Phillips as the top defensive guard.
> West Virginia's Calvin Bowman -- getting rebounds in bucket loads;
> playing strong defensively; running the floor like a two guard.
> Horace Jenkins, from William Paterson (D-III) -- better second day with
> better ball distribution and decision-making.
> Florida International's Carlos Arroyo -- intelligent player who does a
> lot of little things very well; gets teammates involved; has great
> defensive anticipation skills; quickly joining upper echelon of point
> guards here.
> Quotes ...
> Detroit Mercy's Rashad Phillips: "I just want to play my game and play
> it hard. There are lots of battles out on the floor. I want to go out on
> the floor and show that I'm one of the best guards in the country. My
> long-distance shooting will be my trump card, I can hit jumpers with
> people guarding me, and I can create good scoring opportunities for my
> teammates too."
>
> Michigan State's Charlie Bell: "I came here to play hard, just go out
> and give it all I've got and make my team better. I've eliminated a lot
> of the distractions that could surface here by signing with an agent
> before the camp begins. It's taken any of the extra pressure off me, now
> I can just go out on the floor and show people what I can do. This is my
> chance to show what I am all about, versus what I've done for the past
> four years playing as part of a team."
>
> Denver Nuggets assistant coach John Lucas: "We don't often have this
> kind of opportunity to evaluate potential NBA players. This camp allows
> us to come here and see the available talent and form our own opinions
> about the players. We get to watch them in this environment and watch
> them play against similar talent and see just what they can do. I get to
> see who can shoot the ball, who can handle it, it's not just about
> getting points, it's about who can play at the next level."
>
> ... and notes
> Houston Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich and Portland Trail Blazer coach
> Mike Dunleavy joined other head coaches in attendance. Jerry West, who
> previously ran the Lakers' contingence, stopped by. TCU's Billy Tubbs
> entertained many people with his tales over dinner.
>
> Thursday will include morning practices and an early afternoon
> shoot-around before the evening's doubleheader.