BARRY'S SEASON IS NO SLAM DUNK.

Byline: Gary Washburn Daily News Staff Writer

Brent Barry smiles in front of a television camera and tries to be himself.

Barry is a natural talker, a natural comedian and naturally cynical.

It comes from confidence. It's grown over years of success. He was a two-time All-Pac 10 player at Oregon State. These weren't the Gary Payton, perennial NCAA tournament Beavers, but bad Oregon State teams.

He walked into training camp as a rookie in 1995 and immediately impressed coach Bill Fitch. Barry is 6-foot-6 with the ball-handling and playing making skills of a pure point guard.

Success as a rookie came as natural as one of his many jokes. He was smooth, able to run the floor, a high-jumper and solid from the 3-point line. His confidence helped him take everything in stride.

When the offer came to participate in the NBA's Slam Dunk Contest. Barry didn't hesitate.

``It was a good experience then,'' Barry said. ``I had fun. But things changed after that.''

Barry won the slam-dunk title and brought major attention to himself and the Clippers. Since that point, however, his career has taken a downturn.

Barry finished his rookie year with a 10.1 points-per-game average, 2.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals. This season, his averages dropped in every category. And his shooting percentage, which was an impressive 47 percent last season, is 41 as the Clippers head into the playoffs Thursday against Utah.

It has been a tough season for Barry, even tougher than the expected sophomore jinx. Barry missed the first 14 games with a thumb injury. And Fitch, expecting to refine his playmaking youngster into an NBA point guard, was upset with Barry's laid-back attitude about the season. Fitch has not been pleased with Barry's decision-making and work ethic.

``Brent's got a long way to go,'' Fitch said. ``In this league you have to keep improving or get left behind. Brent has to realize that.''

Barry has recently fought his way to consistent playing time. He's logged an average of 23 minutes in the last 19 games, compared to just 10 in nine games in February.

It's not a case of the angry old coach being too tough with his cocky potential star. Barry has not played with the swagger he did as a rookie. At times he's afraid to take the open shot. And when he does and misses, Fitch gives him an unpleasant stare.

Fitch does that with everyone, but it has shaken Barry's confidence.

``This season has just been a wash for me personally,'' Barry said. ``It started off bad and never got untracked. I feel good for the team to go as far as we have. But for myself, it's been very disappointing.''

Like many players, Barry has a tenuous relationship with Fitch. He respects Fitch for being the coach but believes the lack of playing time is some type of test.

Barry thinks Fitch is challenging his work ethic and desire by benching him.

``The biggest challenge for me is to get through this and meet his expectations,'' Barry said. ``I know I can play better. But the most important thing is to prove it and hope things get better.''

Barry's presence has brought increased life to the organization. Fans yell for his entry into the game. His natural talent and passing abilities make him fun to watch, but attempts to make the breathtaking play sometime result in turnovers or mistakes.

It could be a lack of discipline. Or, as Barry believes, it could be struggling with a new position. Barry played mostly shooting guard last season. This year, with six guards on the team, Fitch put Barry at the No. 1 position, backing up Darrick Martin.

``He has to do whatever the coach says to get minutes,'' Brent's father, Rick Barry, said. ``You have to play the way the coach wants you to. I think, not because he's my son, that Brent has a chance to be a great player. Not a good player, but a great player.''

Fitch has recently used Martin and Barry as a one-two punch. Martin can penetrate and provide outside shooting. At 6-6, Barry has better floor vision and is difficult for smaller guards to defend.

``I think we make a pretty good combination,'' Martin said. ``When I'm not doing as well, Brent comes in and provides a spark. We complement each otherand Brent gives us a new dimension.''

So Barry will be a huge playoff factor. Barry can post up or throw entry passes over Utah's 6-0 John Stockton. The key is to stay disciplined defensively.

The last 19 games have impressed Fitch. Barry is averaging 9.7 points and 4.5 assists. That's the production Fitch wanted the entire season. When he was allowed to run the offense without limits Friday against the Lakers, he had a season-high 11 assists.

There is time to put a good finish on a disappointing season. However, next season is different. It's the last on Barry's contract and his decision to return could depend on whether Fitch will coach past next season.

``I haven't even thought about it,'' Barry said. ``Maybe I'll start thinking about it next season. The thing I've got to do this summer is work out with (Golden State's) Chris (Mullin) and come back hungry next year. And make sure this never happens again.''

SOPH TOUCH

Brent Barry's second season has not been as productive as his first. A comparision of his per-game averages:

'95-96 '96-97

Points 10.1 7.5

Assists 2.9 2.6

Reb. 2.1 1.9

Steals 1.2 0.9

Min. 24.0 18.5

Shooting pct. 47.4 40.9

CAPTION(S):

Photo, Box

Photo: (color) no caption (Brent Barry)

Chart: SOPH TOUCH (see text)