Monday, July 20, 1998
Former Bruins reunite in exhibition game
LEAGUE: Summer league helps players stay sharp, be visible to
NBA
By Jeff Kmiotek
Daily Bruin Staff
Toby Bailey dribbles past Derrick Martin, gives Charles O’Bannon
a head-fake and takes a jump shot over the lunging arm of Charles’
older brother, Ed.
Jelani McCoy and J.R. Henderson battle for rebounding position
as the ball swishes through the hoop.
A UCLA basketball fan’s fantasy? Maybe, but this Bruin bonanza
was a reality at Long Beach State, where the 29th annual FILA
Summer Pro League (FSPL) is in full swing. The two-week tournament
provides a stage for current and former basketball stars to
showcase their talents for agents and hone their skills for the
upcoming season (should there be one).
The tournament tipped off on July 11, and thanks to some
favorable scheduling on UCLA’s behalf, a Bruin reunion occurred the
following night.
Bailey and Henderson represented UCLA on a team called "NBA
Rookies," which also included Miles Simon of Arizona and Austin
Croshere, currently with the Indiana Pacers. The opposing team, the
"NBA Stars," featured a slew of ex-Bruins. Derrick Martin and
Mitchell Butler handled the rock, while the O’Bannon brothers took
care of the forward position and McCoy patrolled the middle.
"I’m glad we could start off playing against the local guys,"
said Bailey. "It was real nice. It made me feel really comfortable
and confident out there."
Bailey displayed his comfortable nature all over the court,
sinking jumpshots, treys, free throws and dunks for 15 first-half
points. Henderson added nine points to help the NBA Rookies to a
surprising 63-47 halftime lead.
The second half began with Bailey feeling comfortable sitting on
the bench, sidelined for the remainder of the game with a
hyperextended knee.
But the NBA Rookies didn’t bail out, and extended its lead to 20
points in the opening minutes.
Just as the game seemed to be slipping away from the more
experienced NBA Stars, it saw the light and began to shine. The
Stars trimmed the lead to 80-69 with four minutes left in the
third. But the momentum was temporarily halted by Henderson, who
was hacked on a hoop for a three-point play that put the Rookies up
by 14 points.
Then it was time for the real McCoy – not the one who made news
off the court while at UCLA amid conflict and controversy, but
Jelani McCoy, the dominating basketball star. He muscled his way
for a pair of lay-ups and a dunk in the final minute of the third
quarter to bring the Stars to within a point of the Rookies,
90-89.
But the fourth quarter began like the third, with the Rookies
making the first run. And this time, every comeback attempt by the
Stars flickered out.
Croshere led the way with a game-high 35 points for the Rookies,
who went on to a decisive 130-115 victory. Henderson finished with
14 points, while picking up seven personal fouls. This was no
mistake by the scorekeeper, because in this league players can’t
foul out, but technicals are assessed for every foul beyond
six.
McCoy enjoyed being back with his friends, picking up right
where he left off at UCLA. He scored 17 points and made a couple of
blocks, dominating in the paint.
"The game was fun and competitive," said McCoy, "but playing
with my former teammates wasn’t really a big deal because I’ve been
working out with them every week, and we played together in
Chicago."
Twenty teams are competing for the title at the FSPL. A number
of professional hoopsters are scheduled to play, including Antoine
Walker, Isaac Austin, Felipe Lopez and Bo Outlaw.
In its 28-year history, the league has attracted more than 700
NBA players, such as Kobe Bryant, Reggie Miller, Dennis Rodman and
Magic Johnson.
And this tournament may bear witness to the only NBA-caliber
hoops to be played for a long time.
"The 1998 FILA Summer Pro League is the only professional
basketball league of its kind that will not be affected by the NBA
lockout," said Gino Kwok, the FSPL President.
The league will conclude with the championship game, which will
be held on Sunday at 5 p.m. at Long Beach State’s Pyramid.
Which team will win the Battle at the Beach? It’s not that
important. The bigger question remains – Which player will impress
the most scouts?
JAMIE SCANLON-JACOBS/Daily Bruin
Kris Johnson will be one of the UCLA players to attend the FILA
Summer Pro League.