Monday, January 12, 2009

Notes from Long Beach-UC Davis

Many thanks to Greg Papa for his patience with me as we worked two games together this weekend -- USD vs. USF and Long Beach vs. UC-Davis. Enjoyed it immensely, thanks in great part to Greg's professionalism.

In the weekend's second game (LBSU-Davis), LBSU's 6-foot-3 senior guard Donovan Morris, an All-Big West pick last season, reminds me a little of the Nets' Trenton Hassell. He's a college scorer who should get a look in the Summer Leagues.

UC-Davis sophomore Mark Payne is a solid NBA prospect -- kind of a cross between Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Craig Ehlo. He has great size for a point guard and really pushes the ball in transition. A strong athlete, he's worth keeping an eye on.

Payne's teammate, 6-foot-8 sophomore guard Joe Harden, who redshirted last season, is a low- to mid-level European player at this point.