Najera Scores 10 In NBA Debut

Nov. 1, 2000

NORMAN, Okla. - Eduardo Najera, a third-team All-America selection last year at Oklahoma, scored 10 points and recorded four rebounds, two steals and an assist for the Dallas Mavericks in his NBA debut Tuesday night. Najera, who started the game at forward, played 23 minutes and was 4-for-7 from the field in the Mavericks' 97-93 win over Milwaukee in both teams' season opener at Reunion Arena in Dallas.

Already a crowd favorite, Najera has caught the attention of his coaches, teammates and Dallas fans with his hustle and strong play.

Said NBA All-Star Michael Finley after the game, "When you see a guy like that going out giving a 110 percent effort on each and every possession, as a veteran, you say, 'Oh, I've got to pick it up a little bit.' Ed's been playing well throughout preseason and hopefully he can carry it out throughout the season."

Following the game, Najera answered questions about NBA life, his former team and the No. 1-ranked Sooner football team.

Is this the most exciting night of your life?
"No, not really. It was really exciting, but I don't think it was as emotional as a lot of the nights at the University of Oklahoma."

Do you miss OU?
"Yes, definitely."

What do you miss about it?
"Everything. The togetherness and the chemistry we had, especially off the court."

Which teammates do you hang out with?
"The rookies, mainly. And Dirk (Nowitzki) and Steve (Nash)."

What's it like playing for owner Mark Cuban?
"He's real cool. He's just like a normal person. Even though he's a billionaire, he doesn't seem like it. He's like one of us."

How do you think the OU basketball team is going to do this year?
"I think they'll do really well and the reason is because they have a great coach."

Have you kept up with the OU football team?
"Yes, as a matter of fact everyone on the team is. I've gotten everybody excited about that."

Who's the biggest OU football fan on the team besides you?
"I think the trainers. Steve (Smith) used to be a UT fan and now he's a Sooner fan. I'm still working on the players."

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors