LONG BEACH “”mdash; At the Long Beach Summer Pro League this
year, it seemed like it was in with the old and the new. At least
for UCLA alumni. The two week-long summer basketball league
exhibition featured many names and faces that have called Westwood
home at some point in their playing careers. Most of the spotlight
was thrust on Trevor Ariza, who after only one year with the Bruins
decided to make the jump to the NBA. The 43rd overall pick, by the
New York Knicks, Ariza excelled in the SPL, averaging 14.0 points
per game, 6.7 rebounds per game, and 1.7 steals per game. While
coming into the league his perimeter and free-throw shooting were
among the question marks, the 19-year old Ariza already showed
progress in both area, connecting on 51 percent from the field,
while knocking down over 75 percent of his attempts from the
charity stripe. T.J. Cummings, who along with Ariza entered the NBA
draft, saw limited playing time, tallying two points and an assist
in the NBA Stars’ loss to the Clippers. The 6-foot-9 forward
was undrafted, and will look to play for a spot on an NBA roster in
the coming months.
JUST LIKE OLD TIMES: A couple of old pals and
UCLA teammates also made appearances in the SPL. Earl Watson
and Baron Davis each brought some star power to the league.Â
Watson, playing for the SFX team, averaged 26.5 points, 13.5
assists, and 3.5 steals per game, while shooting 51 percent from
the field. He served as an important role player for the Memphis
Grizzlies this year, playing a career high 20.6 minutes per
contest. Davis, the New Orleans Hornets’ slashing point
guard, averaged 15.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in the
three games. An unexpected but welcome addition to the league,
Davis had 37 points and 12 assists on Saturday, helping the Life
Sports’ team to the SPL championship. Because of
realignment the NBA season commences this October, Davis will help
the Hornets adjust to the new rigors of the Western Conference.
EMERGING REED: Travis Reed, a contributor off
the bench during his two seasons as a Bruin during the 1998 and
1999 campaigns, impressed some scouts in Long Beach. The former
Bruin posted averages of 19.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.0 steals
a game. Reed showcased his improved play at the platform provided
by the SPL, but where his basketball career may take him is still
uncertain.
LAVIN LIKES TO WATCH: In attendance at the
Pyramid in Long Beach was former UCLA coach Steve Lavin. Though
rumored to be interested in coaching again, Lavin, still an ESPN
analyst, was seen in the stands observing many of his former
players.
LIKE FATHER LIKE SON: While Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
served as the assistant coach for the Knicks’ summer league
team, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Jr. was trying to follow in his
father’s footsteps, playing for a spot on an NBA roster on
the Play-2-Win team.