Lesson in perseverance

In the National Basketball Association (NBA) this season, the cinderella story that’s fascinating the fans is the rise from obscurity to prominence of SuperSonics rookie guard Richie Frahm.

Nobody imagined the 6-4 white kid from Gonzaga University–the school that produced John Stockton and Bing Crosby–would beat the odds and claim a roster spot despite being ignored in the draft after leaving school over three years ago.

Frahm, 26, isn’t a gifted natural athlete like LeBron James. But he perseveres. Frahm works hard and probably prays harder.

"When I was about 12 years old, I decided I wanted to play NBA basketball," said Frahm, quoted in the Sonics website. "I knew that I was somehow going to make it but I didn’t know how I was going to do it. I just put my faith in God. It’s been a long journey and it’s also been in my blood where I had no opportunities–I’m not good at anything else."

Frahm gained a reputation as an unconscionable gunner in four years at Gonzaga. He wound up his varsity career as Gonzaga’s fourth all-time leading scorer with 1,621 points and the leader in three-point conversions at 280.

As a pure shooter, Frahm found no takers in the NBA draft where scouts put a premium on high-leaping, athletic operators. Frahm, however, refused to turn his NBA dream into a nightmare and figured with a little experience playing overseas, he could hone his skills then try his luck in the majors as a free agent.

Frahm took his sneakers to Italy, Turkey and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Bill Bayno brought him to Talk ‘N’ Text for the 2002 First Conference and Frahm didn’t disappoint, averaging 18.4 points. While the PBA experience was something he cherishes, Frahm’d rather forget his stop in Turkey. He hightailed it out of Istanbul after the US invaded Iraq and was reportedly not paid for his efforts.

Before the 2002-03 season, Frahm showed up at the Portland Trail Blazers training camp. He worked his butt off and showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in stroking those long jumpers. But the Blazers wouldn’t give him a chance.

Last summer, Sonics coach Nate McMillan invited Frahm to camp. It was more like a friendly gesture than an honest-to-goodness call to duty. Frahm, after all, was a sort of hometown hero–he wasn’t just born in the state but also went to school in Spokane.

Injuries to Seattle draft picks Nick Collison and Paccelis Morlende opened the door for Frahm to squeeze into the Sonics lineup. There were 13 players with guaranteed contracts but it was difficult to dismiss Frahm’s performance in the preseason exhibitions. He scored in double figures in three of seven exhibition games, making McMillan sit up and take notice.

"Richie stood out," said McMillan. "He really made things happen. You noticed him when he was on the floor by some of his plays, both in practice and in games. The fact that he shot the ball extremely well just opened our eyes to the fact that he’s a young guy who fits into what we like and we’re probably going to be playing a lot of small ball this season. He could fit into that type of rotation and be effective."

Frahm is now a fixture in the Sonics cast. He’s averaging 4.0 points and 9.7 minutes in 35 games, shooting .516 from the floor, .842 from the line and .422 from three-point distance. Frahm ranks No. 11 in the league in three-point percentage–higher than No. 16 Reggie Miller (.405), No. 21 Steve Nash (.400), No. 36 Mike Finley (.391) and No. 38 Bobby Jackson (.369). He is No. 3 in three-point shots converted per 48 minutes with a 3.83 clip.

There are only five ex-PBA imports on NBA rosters at the moment. Aside from Frahm, they’re Asnu Sesay of Seattle, Torraye Braggs of Washington, Rick Brunson of Chicago and Tremaine Fowlkes of Detroit.

Frahm is the long-shot the fans won’t stop talking about. He’s the miracle that happened in the league this season.

Last Dec. 20, Frahm erupted for a career-high 31 points–10 in the fourth period–on 10-of-11 field goals, including 6-of-7 triples, and 5-of-5 free throws in 32 minutes off the bench as Seattle downed Denver, 115-106. He missed his first attempt then hit 10 field goals in a row. Frahm also compiled five rebounds and three assists without a single turnover.

"I was floating on Cloud Nine," said Frahm, recalling how he felt after finding out he’d made the team. "Right now, I’m not content. This is another opportunity to prove what I can do and I’m thankful for the opportunity."

PBA fans remember Frahm for his no-nonsense attitude on the floor. He was a picture of poise–playing tough, never backing down and always holding his head up. You knew he was special and that someday, he would make his mark as a basketball star because good guys deserve a break.

Breaking into the NBA couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. Frahm’s story should inspire PBA rookies to follow in his footsteps.

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