By Mark Haynes | OBSERVER Correspondent
Day one of the California Classic at Golden 1 Center gave plenty of young players an opportunity to shine.
Among them was former Folsom High School star Jordan Ford. The 25-year-old who played last season with the Stockton Kings performed in a Sacramento jersey for the first time on Monday. He helped the Kings’ summer league squad to a 100-94 victory over the Golden State Warriors, scoring 18 points and shooting 3 of 3 on three-pointers in just 21 minutes.
“I grew up watching the Kings,” Ford said. “And being a local guy coming to some of the games and actually going from being in the stands, being a fan to being a player now, it’s just a great moment. To see the fans, some people I knew and some people I didn’t know. It’s been awesome.”
Even though Ford is trying to find his place in the NBA, he’s enjoying an opportunity most youngsters won’t, and he took advantage of the chance.
The Kings were led in scoring by second-year forward Keegan Murray, who had an impressive 29 points on 8-of-17 shooting. Neemias Queta added 11 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks.
The Kings on Wednesday face the Miami Heat and their talented rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. who registered 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting in his California Classic debut against the Los Angeles Lakers. The game begins at 7 p.m.