November 13, 1998
These 49ers will be something special
Wayne Morgan wasn't kidding!
Doug Kirkorian Staff Columnist Long Beach Press Telegram I figured when he insisted to me over the summer that this season's Long Beach State basketball team wouldn't faintly resemble last season's forgettable group that it was just the usual spin doctoring by a coach with fanciful hopes.
But from what I observed Wednesday night at The Pyramid, when the 49ers cruised past something called Next Level All Stars by a 107-90 score, I think Wayne Morgan just might be right.
These quick-handed, high-leaping, fast-moving, athletically-gifted and, best of all, unselfish 49ers indeed don't look anything like that 10-19 comical troupe of a season ago that was so bad that it put Morgan's job status in Long Beach in serious jeopardy.
Actually, Wayne Morgan needn't worry about his employment future if the 49ers' impressive performance is an indication of what to expect in the upcoming months when they face slightly more formidable opposition.
Oh, I realize that this was only an exhibition match against a band of former collegians of varying talents, but, remember, the 49ers lost one of these exercises a year ago when they were unable to do anything right.
This time they did everything right except dominate the backboards, which was quite irrelevant since they dominated every other aspect of the game.
When Morgan had his new starting lineup of Tommie Davis, Lloyd (Rock) Ramel, Richie Smalls, Mate Milisa and Antrone Lee intact, the 49ers functioned like a team that will be a serious Big West title threat and won't be embarrassed during a tough non-conference schedule that will include the likes of Utah, USC, Pepperdine and Kansas State.
Morgan has a veritable scoring machine in the 6-4, 225-pound Ramel, a Syracuse transfer and former prep All American out of the Bronx who displayed an assortment of applause-inspiring moves in erupting for his team-high 26 points.
"Rock will one day play in the NBA," says Morgan. "He reminds me of Mitch Richmond."
If he doesn't make it in the NBA, The Rock doubtless will make it in the NFL either as a tight end or linebacker. Or maybe he will compete in a Mr. Olympia contest. The heavily-muscled guard looks slightly out of place on the hardwoods - until he wheels and drives and throws up one of his unorthodox shots that has a knack for going through the hoop.
The 5-9 point guard, Tommie Davis, was scooting frantically around the court making steals, setting up teammates and even collecting 18 points.
"Tommie Davis is a great story ready to be told," says Morgan.
Another extraordinary saga might turn out to be Mate Milisa, a 6-11 Croatian who displayed exceptional long-range accuracy and exceptional instincts. I swear he reminds me in some ways of his countryman, Toni Kukoc, the Chicago Bulls' star.
Athletically, the most gifted 49er just might be Richie Smalls, the junior college transfer from St. Catherine in Kentucky who's also from the Bronx. He's an extraordinary shot blocker who's dangerous around the basket.
Antrone Lee, back to playing the wing after being forced to play the point without distinction a year ago, also made quite an impact with his 14 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks. Like all these 49ers, Lee is adept at getting out on the break and getting his quick hands on the ball on defense.
"No doubt this is the best team I've had here," says Morgan, whose team opens regular season play Saturday afternoon against Cal State Northridge at The Pyramid.
No doubt about it. . . .
"People love to see all this fast-breaking," said Fightin' Bob, between cheering for the 49ers and consuming strips of low-fat RedVine licorice.
"Couldn't ask for a better start," cooed Shumard, between schmoozing with wealthy boosters, alums, sportswriters, Allen Lowenthal, PA announcers, ticket managers, stockbrokers, automobile salesman, unemployed athletic administrators, custodians, cheerleaders and various other human beings who might have a stake in Long Beach athletics. . . .