Freshman At Work

In Macon's spectacular college debut, which occurred in full view of John Wooden at UCLA, he created the game's first score with a steal and notched the first basket of his career with a marvelous running hook. After Temple's 81-76 victory, in which Macon had 22 points, seven rebounds and four steals, Chaney said, "He's something in the process of being. He's something that's happening."

What happened Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas was nothing short of a revelation, despite the Temple loss. For one thing, the prayers of U.S. Olympic coach John Thompson (a bosom buddy of Chaney's) for a floor leader have been answered. And, for another, "It was a stepping-stone for us," said the wise young Owl. And one giant step for Mark Macon.