Dame and Dominic (1 Viewer)

[HailBlazers]

Blazers' Damian Lillard a longtime mentor for Oregon freshman Dominic Artis

The two point guards have known each other since elementary school in Oakland, and they both happened to end up in Oregon last summer to start the next phase of their basketball careers: Lillard as the rookie point guard for the Portland Trail Blazers and Artis as the freshman point guard for the Oregon Ducks.

They typically talk at least every other week.

"It would be more," Lillard said, "but I try to stay out of his hair. Other than me being busy myself, I try not to tell him too much, try not to talk to him all the time. I let him be him. It's his first year in college, so I'm letting him experience it for himself.

Cool story. Dame is an old soul. Anybody have the Ducks winning any games?

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Blazers' Damian Lillard a longtime mentor for Oregon freshman Dominic Artis



Cool story. Dame is an old soul. Anybody have the Ducks winning any games?

This. He genuinely seems wise.

 

[Pinwheel1]

I would not bet on the Ducks, but on the other hand OK State's star is a true freshman. So maybe if he comes out tight the Ducks can pull it off. Of course he is projected as a top 5 pick. (#2 on NBAdraft.net) I am anxious to see Marcus Smart play.

Regarding Artis, before I realized he knows Dame, I noticed that his shot was very similar to Lillard's in terms of form and release point. Hopefully Artis stays for 4 years as well. Right now Artis is no where close to being a NBA prospect, but in another 2-3 years you never know.

 

[Natebishop3]

Sounds to me like Lil is taking the same role in this kid's life that Ronnie Price had in his life when he was at Weber State.

 

[jlprk]

Who was Ronnie Price's mentor? Shouldn't he get the credit for all these guys and their grandchildren?