ADJUSTING TO BIG CHANGES.Byline: Gary Washburn Daily News Staff Writer The changes were evident. Three guys over 7 feet walked into the Lawrence Jewish Community Center claiming to be members of the Clippers. The start of training camp Friday was more of an impromptu introduction amongst teammates than an actual media day. Rodney Rogers Rodney Ray Rogers (born June 20, 1971, in Durham, North Carolina) is a retired American basketball player who last played power forward for the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers. Rogers played college basketball at Wake Forest University from 1990 until 1993. , who just 48 hours ago was home in Durham, N.C., arrived in La Jolla La Jolla (lə hoi`yə), on the Pacific Ocean, S Calif., an uninc. district within the confines of San Diego; founded 1869. The beautiful ocean beaches, in particular La Jolla shores and Black's Beach, and sea-washed caves attract visitors and and noticed the difference. ``We're big, really big,'' Rogers said. ``We've got a lot of new guys in here and we definitely didn't have that last season. It will take me a little while to get used to everything.'' The Clippers went to work Friday night in preparation for a critical season in team history. They made the playoffs with a 36-win team - not likely to happen again - and responded this summer with several roster moves to improve the frontcourt. The two most conspicuous were walking around Friday trying to fit in. Keith Closs Keith Mitchell Closs (born April 3, 1976 in Hartford, Connecticut) is an American professional basketball player. The 7-foot 3-inch player from Central Connecticut State University played three seasons as a backup center for the National Basketball Association's Los Angeles , standing 7-foot-3 and the Clippers' center of the future at age 21, was somewhat in awe at his first camp. Closs, who signed a five-year $8.5-million deal, is not sure how he'll fare this season. The Clippers aren't either. ``Yeah, I was nervous and still am,'' said the Baldwin Park Baldwin Park, city (1990 pop. 69,330), Los Angeles co., S Calif., a suburb of Los Angeles, in the fertile San Gabriel valley; settled 1870, inc. 1956. Its industries include metal fabrication, printing, and plastics manufacturing. native. ``There's a lot of pressure on me to do well. I'm just going to soak everything in and play hard.'' Meanwhile, 7-2 Stojko Vrankovic made his first official appearance with his new team. Vrankovic might have the toughest time adjusting because he's not fluent in English. He's penciled in as the starting center. The other 7-footer is make-good signee sign·ee n. One who has signed a document, such as a contract or petition. Nate Huffman Nate Thomas Huffman (born April 2 1975 in Battle Creek, Michigan) is a 7' 1" American basketball player who played most of his career outside of the United States with Maccabi Tel Aviv. , a rookie from Central Michigan
Central Michigan, often called Mid-Michigan, is a region in the Lower Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. . Huffman has the best chance to make the team of the eight free agents.He was busy participating in a dunk contest with Brent Barry that led to the rim snapping - on media day. An interesting addition is 36-year-old Rodney McCray, four years removed from the NBA NBA abbr. 1. National Basketball Association 2. National Boxing Association NBA (US) n abbr (= National Basketball Association) → Basketball-Dachverband (= . McCray has kept in contact with coach Bill Fitch and was supposed to try out in 1993 before tearing up his knee. He hasn't played in the NBA since. Also:The regulars returned with different looks. Rogers is leaner. Loy Vaught and Darrick Martin are more muscular. Pooh Richardson has a refreshed attitude. And Barry, the man expected to fill Malik Sealy's shooting guard spot, has gained weight. . . . ``I wish all my old teammates well that have gone, but I think we can be a better club,'' said Vaught, in the final year of his contract. ``I'm ready for a big season. I think I've worked hard enough in the offseason to have one.'' . . . The team will have two-a-day practices until the Oct. 11 exhibition opener with Vancouver. |
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