Former Bruins reunite in exhibition game

Published: Monday, July 20, 1998

Monday, July 20, 1998

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.