Posted on: Tuesday, June 29, 2004

Former UH standouts receive NBA invites

Advertiser Staff

Former University of Hawai'i basketball guards Michael Kuebler and Anthony Carter have been invited to participate in NBA camps.

The Portland Trail Blazers asked Kuebler, who completed his UH eligibility in March, to work out at the team's facilities next Monday, family members confirmed last night. Kuebler is seeking a berth on the Blazers' summer-league team.

Carter, who has played four NBA seasons, received an invitation from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Carter's stint with the San Antonio Spurs was abbreviated last December when he underwent surgery to repair damage in his left left. He accepted a buyout from the Spurs, cleared waivers and began an intensive rehabilitation program.

With starting point guard Sam Cassell scheduled to undergo hip surgery, the Timberwolves are in the market for a quick guard.

"He's got a good shot," said UH coach Riley Wallace, noting the Timberwolves' spot-up perimeter shooters will complement Carter's driving ability. "He can help out Minnesota."

Despite leading the Rainbows with an 18.1-scoring average, Kuebler, an Academic All-American, was not selected in last week's NBA draft.

He had private workouts with the Seattle SuperSonics and Sacramento Kings before receiving an offer from the Trail Blazers.

Kuebler was raised in Salem, Ore.

Wallace said Kuebler probably is a "long shot" to earn a berth on Portland's opening-day roster. But a strong showing this summer should help Kuebler draw interest from professional teams in Europe, Wallace said.

Wallace said former UH wingman Predrag Savovic earned more money playing professionally in Europe than he did in one season with the Denver Nuggets.