Ludden: Preseason will determine Udrih's fate

[Kori Ellis]

Preseason will determine Udrih's fate
Web Posted: 10/21/2004 12:00 AM CDT

Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b...h.ac2a1ba.html

The Spurs have liked most of what they've seen of Beno Udrih through two preseason games. The handful of nifty passes he's thrown. The poise he's shown. The 29-footer he buried at the shot-clock buzzer Tuesday night.

But don't expect coach Gregg Popovich to hand the 22-year-old rookie the backup point-guard job just yet.

"It's a question that the preseason will answer," Popovich said Wednesday. "My guess, if you put my feet to the fire, would be that he's going to get minutes.

"We really liked him in Chicago (at the pre-draft camp). I think as many people missed on him as they did Tony Parker when they let him slide a couple of years ago. The kid is really clever. He's a real point guard. He really can deliver the basketball. He's a good shooter."

Udrih's defense, as well as his strength, will need to improve, but that's typical for European players transitioning to the NBA.

"He's not real strong and it will take some time for him to develop that and understand the game," Popovich said. "But he really knows how to play basketball. Right now we're very excited about him."

If Udrih isn't ready for a consistent role by the start of the season, Brent Barry will help back up Parker.

Injury update: It doesn't appear likely forward Linton Johnson III will get to play before the season starts.

Johnson has been sidelined since spraining his left ankle before the start of training camp. He probably will be out another two to three weeks, Popovich said.

The Spurs decided last week to restrict Johnson's activity until the bone bruise in his ankle completely heals. His workload has pretty much been limited to agility exercises. Shooting drills are even off limits.

I got tired of seeing him make two steps forward and 13/4 steps backward," Popovich said. "That's how Manu (Ginobili) was two years ago until we just sat him and let the damn thing heal.

"It's a disappointment because we're really excited about (Johnson's) potential. He's 6-(foot)-8 and long. He's got strength and quickness, has an affinity for defense and rebounding and has great toughness and character.

"We might have stumbled onto something."

Sean Marks probably will miss at least one more week, Popovich said. Marks was bothered by a sore Achilles' tendon, then sprained his back last week.

"It's a shame because he was really playing well," Popovich said.

Officiating primer: Ronnie Nunn, the NBA's director of officials, met with the Spurs on Tuesday afternoon to clarify any rules and explain what the league's referees will be watching this season.

Popovich said he doesn't expect games to be officiated much differently than they were last season.

The league has emphasized that defenders won't be allowed to use their forearm above the free-throw line extended. They can use it below the free-throw line when the offensive player turns his back.

The lower box is the only place where a defender can use his forearm when the offensive player is facing him.

"It's the same rules as last year," Popovich said. "I think they just want to make sure we all abide by it."

Day off: The Spurs did not practice Wednesday. They play Philadelphia at 7:30 tonight at the SBC Center.

[timvp]

Random Thoughts:

-Pop is praying that Beno plays well enough to win the backup point guard position. He doesn't want to use Brent Barry there.

-The Third will be doomed to IR and end of the bench for most of the year after missing all of training camp. But Pop and co. love him.

-Sean Marks can't be trusted. He had a hurt achilles and a hurt back? Dude is too fragile.