Don’t be fooled by its name. There is nothing you can
“Say No” to about the quality of this basketball
league.
The “Say No” Classic, a summer camp for college
basketball players held at the USC campus, has produced many
notable players. Boston Celtics’ Paul Pierce, a two-time
All-Star in the NBA, was once clad in a “Say No”
jersey, and proved that the “Say No” Classic is a
league where you can develop and hone your skills both mentally and
physically in preparation for the future.
This year’s players have come from a myriad of colleges
and there are many notables and upcomers. Craig Smith from Boston
College, a 20-point and 10-rebound man, has made his presence felt.
Freshman Hassan Adams of Arizona, a McDonald’s All-American,
has shined in the league thus far.
The one name that probably would not stand out in the crowd, but
who is holding his own is Michael Fey.
Yes, that Michael Fey.
The UCLA center has soared to new heights, as he is running up
and down the court smoother than he has ever had. His offense has
seen a Jekyll-and-Hyde transformation as he has acquired an
aggressive mentality of wanting to score.
“The individual workouts I received in spring really
helped me,” Fey said. “Especially the repetition and
the little things that coach (Ben Howland) stressed.”
Fey’s footwork has improved immensely and the combination
of posting up and then utilizing the drop step along with a smooth
left-hand hook and fadeaway jumper, has made him virtually
unstoppable. His defense has also stepped up as he is using that
long frame effectively.
Lastly Fey is commanding the boards on both ends of the court
like a 7-footer should.
“I just want to play as much as possible and continue to
work hard and prepare myself for the regular season,” Fey
said.
Fey has continued to show what he has learned from his training
sessions and the extra time he has put in the gym has transcended
to the type of numbers he has put up in this summer league. In his
first three games, he has averaged an impressive 17 points per game
and six rebounds.
An increase in the amount of playing time Fey will see next
season is good news for UCLA’s future hopes, as Fey looks to
have a breakout season and be an integral component in erasing last
season’s debacle.
Ңbull;Ӣbull;Ӣbull;
Host to six UCLA players, many of the top high school prospects
as well as many upcoming and returning college basketball players,
the “Say No” Classic has been a Southern California
tradition for the past 27 years. Whether it’s the
rim-rocking, in-your-face slam dunks, or the Dikembe Mutumbo-like
“not in my house” rejections, players from all across
the state come here to show off their moves and stay sharp during
the off-season.
The Phoenix Suns’ Bo Outlaw also spends time as a coach
for one of the teams in the league, and Penny Hardaway makes many
appearances.
UCLA’s Dijon Thompson, Trevor Ariza, Ryan Hollins, Janou
Rubin and Brian Morrison are all in the “Say No”
Classic as well.