In the lane
LONG VIEW: Among those scouting the Euro-Camp in Treviso, Italy, through Monday is former Heat swingman Keith Askins, who now serves as the team’s director of college and pro scouting. The event essentially is the European equivalent of the NBA’s Chicago Pre-Draft Combine, a one-stop-shopping examination of the leading overseas prospects. While the event tends to mostly feature players eventually taken in the second round, Heat guard Goran Dragic is among those who previously have auditioned in Treviso. Clint Capela was among those to previously participate in the event, with the Heat strongly considering the power forward before he eventually was selected a year ago by the Houston Rockets (the Heat could have drafted him instead of Shabazz Napier). The event also features players who will become eligible for future NBA Drafts, as well as a Team USA under-18 roster of impending college recruits that will play a series of games there. That roster includes Miami Norland power forward Dewan Huell, who has offers in place from Florida State and Miami.
HANDLE HEROES: A pair of former Heat point guards stand among those who inspired now-ailing Kyrie Irving when it comes to his ballhandling, with the Cavaliers point guard taking time at the NBA Finals to note what he has attempted to emulate from Rod Strickland and Jason Williams. “Definitely watched my Uncle Rod, Rod Strickland a lot,” Irving said, with Strickland actually his godfather. “Because he necessarily didn’t finish over the rim, it was more or less under the rim and finishing over bigs and having that spin on the basketball. It was uncommon. Just his ability to switch and stay in the air.” Irving added, “Also Jason Williams. OK, White Chocolate. Guys like that I’ve watched, and moves that they make on great defenders, I’ve tried to emulate. Then I’d watch it on YouTube, and I’d go out on my driveway and try it.”
STILL WORKING: Yes, that is former Weston Sagemont standout Fab Melo on the comeback circuit, most recently among players working at IMG’s center in Bradenton. Drafted out of Syracuse at No. 22 by the Boston Celtics in 2012, Melo’s pro career counts only six regular-season appearances, all with the Celtics. After his 2012-13 rookie season in Boston, he was unable to make anything out of auditions with Memphis Grizzlies or Dallas Mavericks. He spent the start of this past season playing in his native Brazil before a failed bid to move on to a team in Puerto Rico. Previously a summer-league mainstay, he appears to be working toward another such audition, turning 25 on June 20. The NBA summer-league circuit opens July 4 in Orlando.