From Here to Eternity--and Back : Trevor Wilson, Trying for Spot With Lakers, Returns to His Roots

There stood Trevor Wilson, his head above a chaotic throng at the Forum, kids tugging at his legs, adults thrusting pens and paper in his face. He was engulfed at midcourt, a main attraction in the center ring of a hoops circus.

And he wore a grin as broad as the three-point line.

So hot-tempered at UCLA in the late 1980s that he underwent regular therapy sessions with a sports psychologist, so impulsive in 1991 that he bolted for Italy while still on the Atlanta Hawks’ roster, Wilson had the bemused expression of a man surrounded by a litter of kittens.

Laker season-ticket holders and team sponsors had the run of the Forum on Sunday in a public relations event called the Laker Jam Session. Laker veterans were stationed at precise intervals throughout the stands, catering to orderly lines of autograph seekers.

First-year players such as Wilson roamed the floor, a carnival-like free-for-all with contests for free-throw shooting, dribbling, passing and vertical leap.

Wilson, a 6-foot-8 forward at Cleveland High, UCLA and in Italy and Spain, is battling several players for the Lakers’ final roster berth, but he was Sunday’s hero.

*

He lifts a 5-year-old who has “Lakers” painted on his forehead in purple and gold. Wilson and the boy smile for Mom’s camera.

A bystander eyes Wilson and asks, “Who is that?” Someone answers, “Trevor Wilson, from UCLA. I mean, look at his haircut, definitely a California boy.”

The next in line hollers, “Trevor, I saw Cleveland play Crenshaw in the City final at the Sports Arena. They beat you, but you shined.”

As Wilson signs a woman’s T-shirt, a guy says, “I watched you play a lot of college ball. I’m a ’72 UCLA grad.” Wilson nods and smiles.

A woman and her 10-year-old daughter timidly approach Wilson. He asks the girl’s name and writes a personal note.

“It’s nice of you to do that,” the mother says.

“My pleasure.”

A man about 5-8 steps up. “I played against you in high school,” he says nervously.

Wilson nods. “What team?”

“North Hollywood.”

“You still play?”

The man shakes his head. “Nah.”

*

Some people weren’t sure Wilson was still playing after he lasted less than a season with the Atlanta Hawks, who drafted him in the second round in 1990.

Turns out he was in Spain putting up numbers similar to those that earned him All-Pacific 10 Conference honors three times at UCLA.

Last season he averaged 21.1 points and 7.5 rebounds for Pescanova; the year before 19.0 points and 9.5 rebounds for Oar Ferrol.

His specialty is rebounding and Wilson approached rebounding back to the NBA with the same tenacity he used in twice leading the Pac-10 in boards while at UCLA.

He played on the Lakers’ summer team in 1992 and ‘93, and with A.C. Green leaving this summer to the Phoenix Suns, the time seemed right to give the NBA another shot.

“When you are fortunate enough to play at a college in your hometown, then to have the opportunity to play in the pros in your hometown, you couldn’t ask for more,” said Wilson, who lives in Westwood.

Judging from Sunday’s event, Wilson remains something of a local favorite.

“There are so many teams in L.A. that we share fan support,” he said. “There is a tradition with UCLA basketball. It has touched a lot of people and those people are pushing for me.”

He may need the help. Wilson is competing with veteran Kurt Rambis and rookie Antonio Harvey for the final roster spot. Rambis has been sidelined because of tendinitis in his left knee. Harvey, an unpolished 6-11 rookie free agent from Pfeiffer College (N.C.), has made a strong impression.

Initial cuts probably will be made this week and the roster must be finalized by Nov. 5.

“There is daily pressure,” said Wilson, who scored eight points Tuesday night in an exhibition game against the Washington Bullets. “I am constantly trying to play perfect basketball. At times I’m not relaxed and try too hard.”

Wilson’s effort has never been questioned. During his first two years at UCLA, he questioned the efforts of teammates, however, and was prone to immature displays of temper. By his senior year the problems disappeared. He averaged 14.1 points and 7.9 rebounds in a UCLA record 126 games.

His stint with the Hawks was short and somewhat sour. Wilson averaged only 2.2 points and 4.0 minutes in 25 games before being placed on injured reserve because of a back problem.

He was subsequently told of an opening in the Italian League by General Manager Pete Babcock. According to Wilson, there was miscommunication between Babcock and Coach Bob Weiss, who did not know Wilson had left.

“I’ve had guys not show up for practice, I’ve had guys forget assignments . . . but I’ve never had one in the wrong country,” said Weiss, now coach of the Clippers.

Wilson was put on waivers and did not put on an NBA uniform again until this fall.

Two years in Europe basically on his own gave Wilson ample time to reflect on his career. Conclusion: He values the comforts of home.

“The first three or four months (in Spain) were extremely difficult,” he said. “Things you take for granted here, like casual conversations and ordering at restaurants, I couldn’t do because of the language barrier. Overall, I improved as a player and as a person.”

The rough-and-tumble style of play in Spain suited Wilson. Not blessed with a great shooting touch, he realizes his best chance to make the Lakers is to rebound well and play strong defense.

“I am starting to realize that my role is to come off the bench and make an impact,” he said. “The challenge is being ready to play. I have to stay focused, stay in the games and play hard basketball when my time comes.”