Spurs to Give Daniels Opportunity in Tryout : Pro basketball: Years ago, he missed a chance to play at Nevada Las Vegas after cocaine arrest. Now, the 6-8 guard could end up playing for Tarkanian at San Antonio.

Lloyd Daniels, a New York City playground star who never played for Nevada Las Vegas after being arrested in a crack cocaine house, will get another shot to play for Coach Jerry Tarkanian, but this time in the NBA.

Today, Daniels leaves for San Antonio to try out with the Spurs, whose new coach is Tarkanian, the former UNLV coach who recruited the 6-foot-8 guard in 1986.

Monday, Daniels played his final game for the Long Island Surf of the United States Basketball League, finishing with 27 points, 12 rebounds and 19 assists in a 131-110 victory over the New Haven Skyhawks.

“I’m just looking forward to going down to Texas, working real hard and taking it one day at a time,” said Daniels, who was the focus of an NCAA investigation that probably will lead to sanctions against the UNLV basketball program.

The New York Knicks were interested, but Daniels said San Antonio offered a better opportunity.

“They have five spots open on their roster and I think if I work hard, I can get one of those spots,” he said.

Daniels took part in the Spurs’ three-day mini-camp from June 19-21. Whether Daniels, 24, will make the team depends on his performance at the July camp and the training camp before the regular season.

“He’s, they say, the greatest New York street-ball legend of all time,” said Tom James, Spur spokesman. “I can promise you there’s no way we’re going to quote-unquote sign him to a contract at this point. That makes no basketball sense.”

Ed Krinsky, the Surf’s general manager, said he is sorry to see Daniels go but happy Daniels is getting a chance at the NBA.

“He’s been terrific with us,” Krinsky said. “He’s a exciting player; we don’t think there’s anyone in basketball who sees the court with better vision except Magic Johnson.”

Daniels said the Surf has been “a good thing” for him.

“It was good for me to come back home and work on the things I needed to work on,” he said. “It’s been a good little season.”