Then and Now

"Colleges gettin' at 'em, with all type of scholarships..."

Common - U, Black Maybe

Last night the Lakers played in the unfriendly confines of Arco Arena...for me the game had a Pennsylvania flavor to it, bringing a smile to my mind's eye.

Opportunity

The rookie of the year race started out a few months ago as a lock for Blake Griffin...however after an injury sidelined him before the season...the field opened up for Brandon Jennings, and most recently Tyreke Evans.

After a loss on Christmas day...Kobe Bryant couldn't wait to play against the Kings. His wish was granted, as the game went into 2 overtimes before getting the 112-103 victory. There are a few interesting things from this game...Bryant played without any feeling in his right arm from the 3rd-quarter on...even though he was able to keep playing...and Evans, continued to show that he is no ordinary rookie stepping up to the challenge of attacking, and guarding Bryant.

Three years ago Tyreke was in high school, playing in the Kobe Bryant Classic with American Christian versus a tough Academy of the New Church squad...and while Evans didn't do anything spectacular...he earned MVP honors with 33 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks.

I interviewed him directly after and it's good to see that nothing has changed, as he continues to play with a business never personal style:

AG: Talk about the other marquee name in this tournament Elena Delle Donne.

Evans: This is big, and I’ve seen Delle Donne play one other time, and she’s tough...she’s taller than me, and she’s big and she can shoot the jumper. I think she’s going to be a great WNBA player.

AG: Can you tell me what playing in the Kobe Classic means to you?

Evans: Kobe is a great player to watch, there’s a lot you can learn from him. He’s an incredible player, everything you want, the pull-up [jump shot]...the fade away...he has it all! Growing up I’ve watched a lot of players and I try to learn their signature moves, as a matter of fact I watched Kobe get 46 last night [against Toronto]! My favorite player is Tracy McGrady, but right now...I want to give it to LeBron [James], but I’m going to give it to Kobe. LeBron might not want to hear that, he’s my man, but Kobe is incredible.

AG: You're a senior, talk to me about the next level, and playing in college.

Evans: I’ve been watching a lot of college ball, and I think this is the year of the freshman, and I hope that all of them can make it to the NBA.

Photos: Anthony Gilbert/AXG, Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images