CHEVALIER GETS BACK TO HIS ROOTS.

Byline: Gary Washburn

It wasn't that long ago, was it?

Andre Chevalier is barely 24 years old, yet he is the new basketball coach at Cleveland High School, seemingly just a few semesters after he played for the Cavaliers.

When most college graduates his age are still trying to figure what they want to do with their lives, Chevalier has his profession locked up: teacher, as well as young role model. And after looking at his resume, Cleveland grabbed him without thinking twice.

It's been three weeks since Chevalier was named to replace Kevin Crider. The former Cal State Northridge player has walked through the gym, talked to the players, bumped into teachers - some who taught him - and dusted off his new desk in preparation for his first season.

Even to Chevalier, who talks as if he's a seasoned veteran, it doesn't seem that long. But with the changes Cleveland basketball has experienced, it has been.

When Chevalier left in 1990, Cleveland had by far the most outstanding City Section program in the area. North Hollywood was a growing power, but Cleveland had been pushing around Valley opponents for several years.

The program has gone though some down times. Bobby Braswell left for Long Beach State. Mark Paez took the Cavaliers to the City semifinals then quit after one year. And Crider, who led Cleveland to four playoff appearances in five years, grew weary of the pressure of winning and angry at the lack of credit he received.

That leaves Chevalier, who takes over a program where winning is first. An ideal position for new coach?

``I know it's going to be hard, but I'm willing to work hard,'' Chevalier said. ``I want to bring back the tradition. I want to bring back the pride of being a Cleveland Cavalier.''

Sounds like the youthful glee of a rookie coach, filled with hopefulness and a twinge of innocence. Chevalier, however, knows more about basketball and young people than many may expect.

Of course, he's a competitor. He played for subpar Cal State Northridge teams for four years against more talented Division I squads. Winning games will be a major priority. Chevalier appears to be more focused on the building of his kids than league championships.

For his job is not only to make Cleveland a triumphant basketball program, but also to rebuild the morale of a team that hasn't been as successful over the past few years.

``We will work and be well-prepared, I'll tell you that,'' Chevalier said. ``We'll have work ethic, be hard-nosed and leave everything on the court.''

Chevalier definitely has high admiration for his past coaches, whom he sees as mentors. He played under Braswell, who also took over the Cleveland job at age 24. Paez, now at Banning, is regarded is one of the top coaches in the City Section, and Pete Cassidy, at Northridge, passed a vast amount of knowledge onto Chevalier.

His job is now to blend those philosophies into his own. And like the workhorse point guard he was, Chevalier will run Cleveland in his own style.

The time has raced by since Chevalier was a senior in high school, but coaching has changed. Really changed. Open enrollment is destined to change the makeup of high school athletics. It can be a blessing for a new coach. Just ask Canoga Park's Ralph Turner.

The kids are different. Most don't bite their tongue when it comes to opinions, role model or no role model. It will be vital for Chevalier to relate to his players as a friend as well as a coach.

Regardless of his detractors, whom he has faced since being born with a partially deformed left hand and impaired vision in one eye, Chevalier seems geared for the job of a lifetime.

Chevalier doesn't recall the old TV show ``The White Shadow,'' so he has no fantasy of what his first practice will entail. But it will include hard work, discipline, plenty of running and some real education for both players and coach.

Chevalier wouldn't have it any other way.

``Cleveland basketball will be a family atmosphere, about having fun,'' Chevalier said. ``It will be tough. But I'm willing to put in the time and to develop the program. That's the main thing, helping the kids be the best they can be. I'm ready.''

MEMO: Gary Washburn's high school column appears Fridays in the Daily News.

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Photo

Photo: Andre Chevalier, seen here playing for Cleveland in1989, helped make the Cavaliers one of the top programs in the City Section.

Daily News file photo