He Might Be at New Level, But Arenas Is Rising Rapidly

A year ago, Gilbert Arenas was in his senior basketball season at Grant High and preparing for East Valley League play.

Now he’s the 17-year-old starting guard for No. 3-ranked Arizona, getting rave reviews in Sports Illustrated and preparing for Pacific 10 Conference play.

It has been a rapid rise, but few basketball players in San Fernando Valley history have possessed Arenas’ talent.

Capable of shooting from three-point range or driving to the basket, blessed with long arms and quick hands, Arenas has smoothly made the transition to college basketball.

Not to say everything has gone easily. First, Arenas had to prove himself in practice. He won his starting job with hard work. He was so impressive that former Bell-Jeff guard Ruben Douglas transferred to New Mexico after losing his starting spot to Arenas.

To keep his position, Arenas must continue to improve. And the sky might be the limit for someone who turns 18 on Jan. 6, the same day Arizona plays California in its Pac-10 opener.

At Grant, the 6-foot-4 Arenas scored 2,124 points in his three-year varsity career. He averaged 32.8 points as a senior.

Grant Coach Howard Levine had ups and downs trying to bring out the best in Arenas, but he never lost faith. Now Levine smiles when he hears commentators on television boasting about Arenas’ potential.

Arenas made an early impression. At Madison Square Garden, during a 63-51 victory over Kentucky, Arenas scored 20 points and had five steals to earn most valuable player in the Chase NIT.

He has continued to be a steady contributor on offense and defense, averaging 13 points and four rebounds.

The real challenge could come Jan. 20 and 22, when he returns to Los Angeles for games against UCLA and USC, respectively.

Friends and former teammates figure to come out in large numbers.

Arenas loves to entertain fans, and he’ll be in a perfect environment to show everyone how far he has come.

“He’s in a real good system that works for him,” Levine said. “He looks poised and calm and totally under control. We knew when we first saw him that he was very talented.”