COTTON COMES HOME FOR JAM SESSION.

Byline: Matt Zimmerman Staff Writer

LONG BEACH - Schea Cotton is coming home.

The former St. John Bosco High and Long Beach City College basketball star was introduced Wednesday as the first player signed by the new American Basketball Association franchise, the Long Beach Jam, during a press conference at the Long Beach State Pyramid.

After one year at Alabama (1999-2000), two years playing overseas and one just-ended NBA Summer Pro League stint with the Clippers, Cotton is expected to play a key role in the new franchise.

He sat at his spot at the table, with his name on a placard. Unfortunately, his name was spelled wrong.

``I told them before we actually started this (press conference) that I'll let it pass this time,'' Cotton joked. ``But they've got to get that right next time.''

The Long Beach Jam will begin play this fall, with 18 home games at the Pyramid and 18 road games at the other seven ABA franchises. These include three Mexico-based squads and teams in Kansas City, Las Vegas, Trenton and Omaha.

Like most teams in the ABA, the Jam might end up with a shortage of NBA experience on the roster. But the coach's chair will be another matter, as former Lakers coach Paul Westhead, who had been coaching in Japan the past two seasons, formally was introduced as Jam coach Wednesday.

Westhead, who coached the Lakers to the 1979-80 NBA championship, said the Jam would play the up-tempo, high-scoring style that he became famous for at stops such as Loyola Marymount and the Denver Nuggets.

``We're going to have exciting basketball; it's going to be, I think, the type of basketball that fans like, that fans want,'' Westhead said. ``The game has gotten slower and slower, and it has become pound ball, muscle ball. I just think that it's about time that the cycle begins to change back to the quicker game that I grew up in and that I played in, and that I coached for many years. It will be my pleasure to find the 10 players who would like to score 200 points.''

Jam president Steve Chase is with his third team in three ABA seasons, having served as president of business operations and general manager of the Los Angeles Stars in the team's only season, 2000-01. Last year, he was the owner/president of the Southern California Surf, which played its games at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Chase said his early efforts to recruit corporate sponsorships have been very encouraging, and he expects similar results on the court.

``I think Southern California has an advantage in that we have a tremendous number of high-quality, great players who live in Southern California already, as Schea Cotton is a great example; people who want to play at home,'' said Chase, who also spent 20 years as Lakers vice president.

``Number two, having a coach the caliber of Paul Westhead, I think, lends to the credibility of our franchise. Most of the kids playing for us, their goal isn't necessarily to be a 10-year veteran of the Long Beach Jam; their goal is to get to the NBA, and Paul can help them do that. Lastly, we have two NBA teams 10 miles up the road who have visiting teams in town, so you will probably find that our games are better scouted by the NBA than any other team in the league.''

Jam owner Toshimitsu Kawachi was coach of the Japan National Basketball Team from 1988-1994, as well as a former professional player who logged three years for the Japanese National Team. He also owns the Niigata Albirex professional basketball team in Japan, and the Albirex Niigata pro soccer team.

Cotton might not be the only local legend who suits up for the Jam. His brother James, a former Long Beach State player, attended the press conference. Chase said he would like to see the two brothers suit up together at some point this year.

Either way, Schea Cotton is intent on making sure that his new employers, local fans and NBA scouts know and remember his name.

``I think time is of the essence,'' Cotton said. ``I'm in my prime as far as my career, and I think my best years are ahead of me, so I have to utilize this opportunity. Being at home again is a great feeling; I think it will be good for me basketball-wise, just with my comfort level.''