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Kings' Garcia likely will have bigger role this season
Kings third-year swingman Francisco García has been reunited
with one of his former college coaches, Reggie Theus. The two
clicked at Louisville. Sacramento Bee/Carl Costas
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PDT Thursday, October 4, 2007
When Kings coach Reggie Theus last sat courtside for a game that included Francisco García, there was no talk of what No. 32 could be or needed to become.
García was Louisville basketball, not only the proverbial heart and soul of what became a Final Four team but the all-around best player and holder of all hope for an NCAA title in 2005. So prominent was the profile of the young Dominican, even Theus -- then an assistant coach for the Cardinals -- couldn't compare in the moment.
More than two years later, García's star has neither risen nor fallen. He had shining moments in each of his first two seasons, but an ankle injury slowed his progress as a rookie, and he was inconsistent under Eric Musselman's system last season.
Theus, who has spent his early days on the new job pounding a point of passion that fits into García's repertoire, is ready to embrace the "Cisco" of old.
"Cisco will be a leader because he is not afraid to lead," Theus said. "He's not afraid to be verbal, to be a cheerleader, not afraid to speak up. ...
These guys all know that Cisco is the most enthusiastic guy on the floor, and I know it's real because he did it at Louisville."
Which counts for more than lip service. Among the questions Theus is pondering in training camp is: Who starts at small forward on opening night?
With Ron Artest suspended by the NBA for the first seven games, the Kings' regular-season opener on Halloween in New Orleans will be a spooky affair.
Still, Theus says he hopes to produce a solid start.
In Theus' eyes, chemistry certainly will come into account. And after a season in which leadership seemed to be missing, García, 25, could aid that cause.
"He's a captain in my eyes," Artest said. "The way he pushes himself, the way he gets along with all of his teammates. He pushes me all the time."
It may become a question of style, whether Theus prefers the dynamic yet sometimes risky García or the more predictable but polished veteran John Salmons.
Under Musselman, Salmons started 19 games last season while averaging 11.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.2 steals. García started just five games, averaging 15.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.2 steals.
García said he's not concerned about being named an opening-night starter.
"(Theus) knows I can play the 1 through 4 (positions) like before (at Louisville), so I just said, 'I'll be there. Whatever you need,' " García said.
"It's all right if John starts or I start. It doesn't really matter.
"When I'm on the floor, it's not going to be the same player. It's not going to be the same Francisco."
At least not the Kings' version.
García often played point guard as a rookie under former coach Rick Adelman, but Musselman didn't use him in that spot until late last season.
With starter Mike Bibby perhaps playing fewer minutes than his typically heavy load, and unproven backups from Quincy Douby to Orien Greene and Mustafa Shakur, García could fill the role in spots.
And just as he's adjusting to his third coach in three seasons, there are more adjustments to be made off the floor.
In July, García left Vegas Summer League early to be with his newborn daughter, Abigail, in New York City.
He also made two trips to his homeland, the Dominican Republic, where he is revered, but he spent most of his time training in Sacramento.
"I worked hard this summer, stayed in shape and worked on my all-around game," García said. "I know I'm going to have a bigger role. It's my third year, and everybody is expecting a lot out of me."
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/413986.html
Kings third-year swingman Francisco García has been reunited
with one of his former college coaches, Reggie Theus. The two
clicked at Louisville. Sacramento Bee/Carl Costas
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PDT Thursday, October 4, 2007
When Kings coach Reggie Theus last sat courtside for a game that included Francisco García, there was no talk of what No. 32 could be or needed to become.
García was Louisville basketball, not only the proverbial heart and soul of what became a Final Four team but the all-around best player and holder of all hope for an NCAA title in 2005. So prominent was the profile of the young Dominican, even Theus -- then an assistant coach for the Cardinals -- couldn't compare in the moment.
More than two years later, García's star has neither risen nor fallen. He had shining moments in each of his first two seasons, but an ankle injury slowed his progress as a rookie, and he was inconsistent under Eric Musselman's system last season.
Theus, who has spent his early days on the new job pounding a point of passion that fits into García's repertoire, is ready to embrace the "Cisco" of old.
"Cisco will be a leader because he is not afraid to lead," Theus said. "He's not afraid to be verbal, to be a cheerleader, not afraid to speak up. ...
These guys all know that Cisco is the most enthusiastic guy on the floor, and I know it's real because he did it at Louisville."
Which counts for more than lip service. Among the questions Theus is pondering in training camp is: Who starts at small forward on opening night?
With Ron Artest suspended by the NBA for the first seven games, the Kings' regular-season opener on Halloween in New Orleans will be a spooky affair.
Still, Theus says he hopes to produce a solid start.
In Theus' eyes, chemistry certainly will come into account. And after a season in which leadership seemed to be missing, García, 25, could aid that cause.
"He's a captain in my eyes," Artest said. "The way he pushes himself, the way he gets along with all of his teammates. He pushes me all the time."
It may become a question of style, whether Theus prefers the dynamic yet sometimes risky García or the more predictable but polished veteran John Salmons.
Under Musselman, Salmons started 19 games last season while averaging 11.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.2 steals. García started just five games, averaging 15.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.2 steals.
García said he's not concerned about being named an opening-night starter.
"(Theus) knows I can play the 1 through 4 (positions) like before (at Louisville), so I just said, 'I'll be there. Whatever you need,' " García said.
"It's all right if John starts or I start. It doesn't really matter.
"When I'm on the floor, it's not going to be the same player. It's not going to be the same Francisco."
At least not the Kings' version.
García often played point guard as a rookie under former coach Rick Adelman, but Musselman didn't use him in that spot until late last season.
With starter Mike Bibby perhaps playing fewer minutes than his typically heavy load, and unproven backups from Quincy Douby to Orien Greene and Mustafa Shakur, García could fill the role in spots.
And just as he's adjusting to his third coach in three seasons, there are more adjustments to be made off the floor.
In July, García left Vegas Summer League early to be with his newborn daughter, Abigail, in New York City.
He also made two trips to his homeland, the Dominican Republic, where he is revered, but he spent most of his time training in Sacramento.
"I worked hard this summer, stayed in shape and worked on my all-around game," García said. "I know I'm going to have a bigger role. It's my third year, and everybody is expecting a lot out of me."
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/413986.html