CLIPPERS NOTEBOOK: THERE'S A NEW `Q' IN TOWN.

Byline: Joe Stevens Staff Writer

SANTA BARBARA - It didn't take long for coach Mike Dunleavy to single out a lesser-known player in training camp. After a two-hour morning practice Tuesday to open camp at Santa Barbara City College, Dunleavy raved about rookie Quinton Ross.

Ross was cut last season in camp, but things are different this year. Ross is expected to make the team, and if injuries haunt Kerry Kittles, the shooting guard could get significant playing time.

``I think people will love the way he plays,'' Dunleavy said. ``He plays the game the way it's supposed to be played. He's totally unselfish. He's a very good defender, knows what he's supposed to do, very smart and very active. He reminds me of a young Michael Cooper.''

Kittles is expected to be the Clippers' starting shooting guard. But he cannot participate in training camp because he is undergoing therapy on his surgically repaired right knee.

That means Ross could get extra playing time in the exhibition season to show what he can do. And although Kittles will be taking the departed Quentin Richardson's slot in the rotation, Ross is taking Richardson's name - they're both known as ``Q.''

After being cut last season, Ross played in Belgium. However, Dunleavy didn't sever ties with him. In fact, the coach even went to Belgium to have dinner with him.

Ross, a 6-foot-6 guard from Southern Methodist, apparently has already learned what it takes to hook up with an NBA team.

``Right now, the strength of my game is probably defense, making it tough for opposing players,'' he said. ``I was a scorer at SMU, but when you get to the next level, you have to find your role. And now, I feel the best way I can help this team is defensively.''

--A bargained schedule: The Clippers and other NBA teams have gone through their first day of training camp with a seemingly ridiculous schedule. Teams are allowed to participate in contact drills for only two hours per day and can only practice for three hours each day.

The light schedule was bargained for by the players' union, in response to the league's augmentation of the first round of the playoffs from five-game to seven-game series. Clippers coaches are working within the mandated schedule, but it certainly doesn't look as if the new rules are preferable.

``I'm sure Argentina is doing this right now,'' Dunleavy quipped, mentioning the Olympic gold medal winner. ``I'm sure Argentina is limiting its club to practice for three hours.''

--Who's new? With only six returning players from last season, it might be hard to figure out exactly how the Clippers' roster will shape up. Dunleavy indicated he expects the team to keep 13 or 14 players.

In addition to the six returning players, two drafted rookies and Kittles and Ross, three other players are expected to stay, assuming they have good training camps.

Joe Stevens, [phone]

joe.stevens(at)presstelegram.com