Notes on a Scorecard - March 1, 1994

About the only thing I didn’t like about Dominique Wilkins’ debut as a Clipper at the Sports Arena was the public address announcement that accompanied his field goals. . . .

“ ‘Nique!” bellowed Dennis Packer, the same way they used to in Atlanta. . . .

Dominique is such a great name. There is no need to shorten it. I don’t care what his nickname is. “Dominique!” would be beautiful music to my ears. . . .

Among those who enjoyed playing with the eight-time NBA All-Star on Sunday was the Clippers’ other starting forward, Loy Vaught. . . .

“He’s a lot of fun to watch and a lot of fun to play alongside,” Vaught said. . . .

How does Wilkins compare with Danny Manning? . . .

“They’re both great players, but they have different styles,” Vaught said. “Dominique is faster and more upbeat. Danny is a more methodical, post-up type of player.” . . .

Now it is up to Donald Sterling to sign Wilkins to a multiyear contract. The owner says it will happen. Agent Steve Kauffman has talked informally with Sterling and said negotiations might begin by the end of the week. . . .

“Dominique wants to prove that he’s 29,” Doc Rivers said after watching his former teammate on the Hawks score 34 points during the Clippers’ 122-118 loss to the Seattle SuperSonics. . . .

Unfortunately, Wilkins’ birth certificate says he was born on Jan. 12, 1960, in Paris. That makes him 34. . . .

Elgin Baylor, Clipper general manager and Hall of Fame member, had two good seasons after his 34th birthday. . . .

He averaged 24.8 points in 1968-69 and 24.0 in 1969-70. He played a total of only 11 games the next two years because of a torn Achilles’ tendon. . . .

“Look at Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,” Baylor said about the legend who was an integral part of an NBA championship team at 41. “Of course, he was a center and that’s different than playing forward. But he was able to stay away from a serious injury, he took care of his body and he got smarter. . . .

“I don’t know how long Dominique can perform at a high level, but our doctor who examined him says he’s in terrific shape.” . . .

How is anybody going to stop the Chicago Bulls now that they have Luc Longley, Bill Wennington and Will Perdue? . . .

Mismatch of the year was Tyrone (Muggsy) Bogues trying to guard Anfernee (Penny) Hardaway. . . .

The former Soviet Union would have been a runaway winner in the Winter Olympics’ medal count. . . .

George Raveling hopes to have Bill Russell speak to young USC center Avondre Jones during the off-season about play in the pivot. . . .

How strange it was to have UCLA fans rooting for USC--against Cal on Saturday. . . .

It will be different Thursday, though, when the Bruins and Trojans play at the Sports Arena. . . .

Bob Gold, vice president, public relations, for Prime Ticket, is conducting a UCLA Extension class in sports public relations starting Saturday. Among guest speakers will be executives and athletes from various Southland teams. . . .

Mayor Richard Riordan and the City Council will proclaim this “Grand Olympic Auditorium Week” in Los Angeles during City Hall ceremonies at 11 a.m. Friday. . . .

The Needlemans ought to bring short-track speedskating to the auditorium, former home of roller derby. . . .

Think the women’s tennis tour misses Monica Seles? . . .

That was a nice vacation Steffi Graf enjoyed in the desert last week. . . .

Eddie Delahoussaye, who has won eight $1-million races, will be trying for his first Santa Anita Handicap victory Saturday aboard Region. . . .

Don’t be surprised if a former claiming horse wins the Big ‘Cap. Nonproductiveasset was claimed for $40,000 last year. . . .

The Texas Rangers--with Jose Gonzalez, Jose Canseco, Will Clark and Dean Palmer--could join the 1977 Dodgers as the only major league teams to have four 30-home run hitters. . . .

Better late than never that Phil Rizzuto was voted into the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee. . . .

Rizzuto had a career batting average of .273 and hit only 38 home runs in 13 seasons, but was an excellent fielder and key contributor to seven World Series champion New York Yankees teams. Another Hall of Fame shortstop, Rabbit Maranville, batted .258 and hit 28 homers in 23 seasons. . . .

I like the fact that Ramon Martinez has put on weight, but I’m not so sure about Jose Offerman. I hope he doesn’t fancy himself a home run hitter. . . .

I wonder if Jaime Jarrin will serve as interpreter for Park Chan Ho.