Rhodes Glad to Be Back

Rodrick Rhodes didn’t think he would miss the Sports Arena, but the former USC standout said he couldn’t wait to return Wednesday night.

“I’m kind of surprised I’m saying this, but it really is good to be back here,” said Rhodes, a rookie swingman with the Houston Rockets. “I’ve really missed L.A., and I’ve missed all my friends at SC.

“Walking back [into the Sports Arena] brought back a lot of memories. I wasn’t gone all that long, but it seems that way.”

Rhodes played at USC as a senior last season after transferring from Kentucky. Rhodes, who declined comment on recent allegations that he may have violated USC academic policy, averaged 14 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists in leading the Trojans to the NCAA tournament.

His versatility impressed the Rockets, who surprised many NBA observers by selecting Rhodes in the first round of the draft with the 24th pick. He hasn’t disappointed, working his way into Coach Rudy Tomjanovich’s rotation.

“The veterans and the coaches have made me feel at home,” Rhodes said. “They’ve made me feel welcomed, so I’m just trying to play as hard as I can and work as hard as I can to pay them back.”

Rhodes’ ability and attitude have helped make him popular with his teammates.

“He’s going to be a future star in this league,” veteran swingman Mario Elie said. “He plays the one, two or three spot, and he’s an excellent defender.

“But the main thing is that he understands the game better than a lot of veterans do, and he’s a great kid. A lot of teams passed on him, but he brings a lot to the table.”

Rhodes said he had looked forward to his Southland homecoming for several weeks, and for several reasons.

“A lot of people doubted me before I came here, and this is where I proved myself,” Rhodes said. “I have a lot of love for SC.”

Rhodes left the game because of a bloody nose after the Clippers’ Eric Piatkowski caught him with an elbow in the first quarter. Rhodes did not return.

*

Noted NBA funnyman and social commentator Charles Barkley held court before the game, entertaining reporters as only he can.

The Rocket forward covered a variety of topics, including the declining state of media coverage, and his view that he’s held to a different standard than other athletes. Barkley was arrested Oct. 26 after pushing a man through a plate-glass window in an Orlando, Fla., bar after the man tossed a glass of ice at him.

“It seems like any time [Laker center Shaquille O’Neal] or [Indianapolis Colt quarterback] Jim Harbaugh hit people, it becomes funny and a joke,” Barkley said.

“When I hit people, I go to jail.”