AUSTIN, Texas — A former Texas Longhorns star is earning some praise from his Hall of Fame head coach.
Sir'Jabari Rice, who signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs in July, has been making a big impact with the team during training camp.
Rice, who earned multiple awards last year with Texas – including Big 12 Conference Sixth Man of the Year – is now earning the recognition from his new head coach, Gregg Popovich.
"He's a clever, clever guy," Popovich said recently. "I didn't know who he was when camp came. I said, 'who's that kid there' when they were working out and getting ready for training camp. But he's got a nice shot, tremendous speed ... A good personality about him. He's been enjoyable."
"Enjoyable" is high praise coming from the usually deadpan and sarcastic Popovich.
Rice is expected to start the season in San Antonio before making the trip up Interstate 35 to Cedar Park to join the Austin Spurs as they kick off the NBA G-League season.