Jason Sasser had given himself a three-year window to stick with an NBA team. That was four years ago.
But the 6-foot-7 swingman is not ready to concede. After brief stints with four NBA teams, Sasser, 26, is fighting for a job with the Knicks.
“They have at least one roster spot,” Sasser said yesterday after the Knicks’ summer league team practiced at Fairfield University. “And that’s one I feel I could get.”
With the Knicks high on second-round draft pick Lavor Postell, Sasser’s chances to make it are thin.
Nevertheless, Sasser has earned the praise of Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy, who appreciates his on-court hustle and continued determination to make the NBA.
“Jason Sasser has played well,” Van Gundy said yesterday. “He’s been around a long time, minor leagues, some NBA teams.”
Following a stellar four-year career at Texas Tech (he was a Wooden Award finalist), Sasser was selected by the Kings in the second round (41st pick overall) of the ’96 draft. He was dealt to the Blazers, who waived him before the season.
The Denton, Texas-native played two seasons in the CBA, which were occasionally interrupted by several 10-day contracts with the Spurs, Mavericks and Grizzlies. Most recently, he was waived by the Grizzlies on Feb., 1999.
Overlooked last season by the NBA, Sasser played in the International Basketball League with the New Mexico Slam, averaging 13.3 points and 5.0 rebounds. The experience only accelerated his drive to make the big league.
“I have had a taste of the NBA,” Sasser said. “The taste is real sweet.”
Sasser hopes to gain notice this week while playing for the Knicks in the Pro Summer League at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. (The Knicks’ first game is tonight against Milwaukee.) He said that just his short time with the Knicks’ coaching staff has helped him improve.
“I see why they win a lot of games,” Sasser said. “They have a different mind-set when it comes to defense.”
If he fails to make the Knicks, or another team, this season, Sasser said he will not be deterred.
“I’m going to try and push it a couple more years,” he said. “It’s worth it. Playing basketball for a living is worth it.”
