Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 8, 1993 TAG: 9307080103
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SCOTT BLANCHARD STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In fact, he doesn't even have an agent, although he says he will by next week. With North Carolina coach Dean Smith screening his calls, Lynch said he never was bothered by the notoriously persistent hordes of would-be representatives.
"The coaches and the NBA scouts had seen me play. They knew what I could do," said Lynch, when asked why he waited so long to hire an agent. "The only thing an agent is needed for is to negotiate a contract. An agent isn't going to get you drafted."
The Los Angeles Lakers chose Lynch in the first round on June 30. They will pay handsomely for his services, but the Roanoke native apparently isn't looking to suck the Lakers dry.
"I don't think it's a problem. The Lakers take care of their players," Lynch said during a break Wednesday at the Roanoke Hawks Prep Stars camp at Roanoke Catholic High School. "I'm not one of those players trying to get a lot of money. Of course, I'm trying to get enough money to be secure . . . but I think players should have to prove themselves on the floor."
In Lynch's case, that could mean a change. North Carolina's system discourages free-lancing, Lynch said, but he's aware creativity and one-on-one play define the NBA. Not to worry, though.
"That's the way I play during the summertime," he said.
Lynch said he hasn't dealt with the Lakers much since the draft, except for an LA news conference appearance. He dined with Lakers veteran and fellow North Carolina alumnus James Worthy and said the two talked about "old times, Carolina memories."
Lynch was helping several dozen youngsters improve themselves Wednesday, and he mostly wore the satisfied look of a man whose words were heeded. But he wasn't distant. Included during the morning were several short autograph sessions for the campers.
He's worked at camps in Roanoke throughout his college career, but he may be savoring this one a bit more. With contract negotiations, training camp and his rookie NBA season looming, Lynch knows things are about to get hectic.
"I don't think I'm going to get to enjoy my summer," he said, responding to a suggestion. "This is fun, what I'm doing now."
Keywords:
BASKETBALL
by CNB