CHATTER: EX-GRANT STAR ARENAS FOLLOWS CURRENT STANDOUT.

Byline: Vincent Bonsignore Staff Writer

Gilbert Arenas doesn't seem to mind Mike Danielian breaking some of his basketball scoring records at Grant High of Van Nuys.

Arenas, who plays for the Washington Wizards, keeps in touch with the high-scoring Danielian and often gives him tips.

``We talk quite a bit, and it means a lot to me that he takes the time to check in and see how we're doing,'' Danielian said. ``He's a pretty big star now, so it's not like he (has) to do that.''

Danielian is obviously putting Arenas' tips to good use. Two days after tying Arenas' single-game scoring record of 50 points two weeks ago in the Thousand Oaks Tournament, Danielian scored 49 - including 30 in the second half - in a victory over Oaks Christian of Westlake Village. His second-half total broke Arenas' school mark for most points in a half (29).

Arenas graduated from Grant in 1999, then went on to play at Arizona before landing in the NBA.

Arenas knew about the 50-point outburst, but he didn't learn about the 49-point game until talking to Grant coach Howie Levine a few days later.

``He just said, 'Man, I didn't even do that,' '' Levine said,laughing.

Arenas remains a good friend to the Grant program, outfitting the entire team in Adidas gear - Arenas has a deal with Adidas - and purchasing two high-end shooting machines for the players to use in practice.

``Actually. he just sent me some new shoes a couple days ago.''Danielian said.

Arenas spent an entire week working out with the Lancers just before leaving for training camp in October and gave Danielian a taste of how good he has become since leaving high school. The two squared off a handful of times in two-on-two pick-up games.

``Honestly, he was unstoppable. There is no other way to describe it,'' Danielian said. ``I mean, the guy was hitting fallaway 3-pointers like it was nothing. Amazing.''

Levine appreciates Arenas staying in touch.

``I'm not surprised, but it really feels good that he still cares enough to be involved,'' Levine said. ``You know, when he comes back like he did (in October) you can see in his eyes that this is still home to him. This is family.'' ...

The worst kept secret in college recruiting was revealed Monday when Taft of Woodland Hills quarterback Josh Portis orally committed to play at Florida. Fact is, it was practically a certain bet that Portis was going wherever coach Urban Meyer landed.

Portis originally committed to play for Meyer at Utah but pulled out when Meyer's name surfaced as a national coaching candidate. Portis admits he and Meyer developed a tight bond during the original recruiting process, so it was natural that he wanted to follow Meyer to his next job.

Vincent Bonsignore, [phone]

vincent.bonsignore(at)dailynews.com