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By Arlie Rahn
Arizona Daily Wildcat
October 18, 1996
If the Phoenix Suns have learned one thing over the last four months, it is never to doubt Ben Davis.Davis, the former Arizona forward, was originally thought as a wasted second-round pick by the Suns in the 1996 NBA Draft.
But with injuries and Davis' work ethic, he has become one of the favorites of the Suns coaches.
"We have been very impressed by Ben," Suns assistant coach Donn Nelson said. "We are going to try and do everything in our power to make things work out. We like the total package of Ben Davis.
"Nothing jumps out as something he needs to work on. I think the things he needs to work on are things that he will only gain through NBA experience."
With injuries to key Suns Mark Bryant, Kevin Johnson and John Williams, Davis' situation is starting to look a little brighter.
"Due to some injuries, Davis has been working at the four spot, and we think that is his natural position," Nelson said. "The signing of Rex Chapman has not helped his situation. He still will have to battle some of our top big men."
Even if Davis doesn't make the Suns' roster, he should be a member of some NBA team by mid-season.
"I'd be surprised if he spent a lot of time in the CBA if he didn't make our team," Nelson said. "I think there is a lot of interest in him around the league."
"I think the longer look he gets with the Suns, the better chance he has of catching on with other NBA teams," UA men's basketball coach Lute Olson said. "He really hasn't thought about what he will do if he doesn't make the Suns."
One other factor that might help Davis is a trade. With 17 players, the Suns have opened the lines of communications regarding trades.
"We don't want to push anyone out of our organization, but we wouldn't be doing our job if we didn't look around," Nelson said. "I don't think there will be any major moves before the start of the season, but I wouldn't rule out that possibility."
Davis left for California this week and was unavailable for comment.
The present Wildcats are looking to improve their future by recruiting Duncanville, Texas, native Chris Owens.
Owens, a 6-foot-7 swingman, averaged 16.2 points and 8.0 rebounds a game in his junior season at Duncanville High School.
"Chris is a real athletic player with a great deal of quickness," Duncanville head basketball coach Phil McNeilly said. "One of his main assets is his versatility."
Owens is still deciding between Arkansas, Tulane and Arizona. He has already visited Arkansas and Arizona, but he is waiting until he visits all three schools before he makes his decision. He will visit Tulane this weekend.
"He is still deciding between those three schools," McNeilly said. "He has been impressed with both Arizona and Arkansas."
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