Byline: Randy Hill Staff Writer
After conceding their staggering mismatch at the position of team owner, the Clippers' most critically disclaimed job description is point guard.
For the sake of rebuttal, the floor now belongs to Troy Hudson.
``Come to the games and watch the performance,'' said Hudson, who will co-star with recently acquired veteran Eric Murdock as Clipper playmakers.
But skeptics who missed Hudson's audition last season, have predicted a point-guard horror show.
``I don't take it personally,'' Hudson said while winding down after a spirited training-camp workout at L.A. Southwest College. ``I just go out and try to prove them wrong.''
He began gathering evidence at the University of Missouri, where rare playing time inspired Hudson's transfer to Southern Illinois University in his hometown of Carbondale.
After averaging 21 points per game in his junior season, Hudson entered the NBA Draft and couldn't find his way out. With an assist from a training-camp injury to John Stockton, he made the Utah Jazz as an undrafted rookie. When Stockton returned, Hudson took his eight-game NBA resume all the way to the CBA.
He remained stuck there in his second pro season, until being rescued by the Clippers midway through the post-lockout disaster of 1999. In 25 games, Hudson produced 6.8 points, 3.7 assists and enough fearlessness per game to hang around.
``Troy's a guy who just competes all out,'' said Clippers coach Chris Ford. ``That's the energy I love.''
For Hudson, vivid memories of CBA life make it easy to stay motivated.
``There were more down times than good times in the CBA,'' he admitted. ``But I always thought I could play here. To stay here, I have to continue to play hard and be a leader on the court.''
And his objective review on the state of Clippers point guards?
``Between myself and Eric Murdock, we have a solid backcourt.
Unfortunately, they don't seem to be grooming owners in the CBA.
Fast breaks: When charted with rookies in the NBA's rookie class of 1999, undrafted Clipper Tyrone Nesby ranked among the top 10 in nine statistical categories. But he still doesn't have a sneaker deal. Converse soon may change that. . . . Murdock, who played at Providence College, holds the NCAA career record for steals (376 in 117 games). He averaged 25 points per game as a senior (1990-'91). . . . Kebu Stewart, the star of the Clippers' Summer Pro League entry at the Pyramid, is camping with the Dallas Mavericks. Stewart, who led that league in scoring and took the silver in rebounding, didn't impress the coaching staff enough to warrant a guaranteed contract. He wasn't offered a guaranteed deal in Dallas, either. . . .
