Cedric Bozeman ended his college career as UCLA’s team
leader.
But just three months later, as an undrafted rookie in the NBA,
Bozeman is just another body trying desperately to make the
team.
Bozeman has been taking part in the Atlanta Hawks’ camp
this summer, playing with the team in the Rocky Mountain Revue
summer league in Salt Lake City. The league began on July 14 and
lasts until July 21.
Bozeman is teamed up with five players who saw playing time for
the Hawks during the regular season last year, including former
Arizona guard Salim Stoudamire and last year’s No. 2 overall
pick, Marvin Williams. Former Duke power forward Shelden Williams,
the Hawks’ first-round pick this year, is also on the
roster.
“I’m definitely learning a lot,” Bozeman said
of his camp experience so far. “You have to learn on the fly;
the coaches demand a lot out of us. There is also a lot of running
““ we have to be in shape. But I think I’m taking it all
in so far.”
Bozeman started the first two games for the Hawks at point
guard, playing approximately 20 minutes in each game. In a 98-76
loss to the Jazz on Saturday, Bozeman scored four points, along
with a steal and an assist. In a 94-93 loss to the Mavericks on
Sunday, Bozeman had seven points and four rebounds.
“Everything is faster,” Bozeman said of the
transition from the college game to the NBA game. “College is
fast, but the NBA is even quicker so you have to be able to pick
things up that much faster to keep up.”
Although Bozeman’s numbers for UCLA last year were not
overly impressive, he was best known for doing other things to help
the team win. His lockdown defense was among the best on the team,
and his humility and willingness to sacrifice himself for the team
were key attributes in the Bruins’ run to the Final Four.
Bozeman hopes the Hawks will recognize and appreciate those
qualities.
“I am versatile,” said Bozeman, who played point
guard at UCLA before being shifted to a forward and off-guard last
season. “Whatever they want me to do, I’ll do it.
It’s not about scoring all the time, it’s about being
in the right place at the right time and contributing in other ways
as well. Hopefully I can do that for the Hawks.”
Bozeman was originally thought to be headed to the Lakers’
camp to join former UCLA teammates Michael Fey and Jordan Farmar.
But Bozeman decided instead to join the Hawks, which didn’t
have much depth during last year’s regular season.
Bozeman might have a better shot at making the Hawks than he
would have had at making the Lakers, but in the NBA there are no
guarantees ““ especially not for an undrafted rookie.
“Playing in the championship game (with UCLA) was an
unbelievable feeling, but now it’s a new start. Everyone at
this level is starting from scratch, trying to make the league,
trying to help this team win,” Bozeman said.