
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, June 15, 1990                   TAG: 9006150164
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

STITH AT TRYOUTS

The odds have improved for Virginia sophomore Bryant Stith and the other basketball players trying out for the team that will represent the United States in the Goodwill Games and World Championships.

The field for the second round of tryouts decreased from 25 to 20 players when Danny Ferry signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association and four members of the NCAA championship Nevada-Las Vegas team declined invitations.

Georgetown star Alonzo Mourning, the four UNLV players and Ferry were allowed to skip the first round of tryouts, but only Mourning will be at Duke University today when the tryouts begin.

"I had no idea we were down to 20," Stith said Thursday before leaving for Durham, N.C. "Among other things, that eliminates one of the players at my position, Stacey Augmon."

Stith is one of several players who qualify as swingmen, along with Todd Day of Arkansas, Chris Mills of Arizona and Jimmy Jackson of Ohio State. Syracuse's Billy Owens, though almost 6 feet 9, also has perimeter skills.

There will be three days of workouts, after which the squad will be cut to 15 for the Goodwill Games in Seattle. The roster then will be cut to 12 players for the World Championships in Argentina.

"I don't think it's a question of talent," said Stith, who finished second in voting for the 1989-90 All-ACC team. "It's the small things, like who's in shape and who goes after the loose balls. It's really important for me to make this team so I can keep playing through this summer and raise my game to another level.

"By making it this far, I hope I've raised some eyebrows. This is the perfect opportunity to send a message that I'm one of the best players in the country. My national recognition is not very high, but I'm used to this."

Stith said it is to his benefit that Mike Krzyzewski of Duke is coaching the U.S. team.

"Duke was one of my final choices in high school, and I've always been very impressed with Coach K," Stith said. "It's got to be a plus because he knows what I'm capable of doing."

by CNB