Ryan Robertson has hit the jackpot: He signed a one-year guaranteed contract for $300,000 with the Sacramento Kings.
"You know me. I'll be frugal. I was a business major at KU," former Kansas University guard Robertson, the Kings' second-round pick and 45th overall selection in the 1999 NBA Draft, said Tuesday, five days after placing his signature on his first NBA contract.
The 6-foot-5 Robertson surprised some NBA analysts just by being selected in the draft. Now he has all but assured himself a spot on the team. The Kings committed guarantee money to Robertson for one year with an option for a second year.
"I am not shocked," Robertson said from his parents' home in St. Charles, Mo. "There were times I was not sure what my future was. I wouldn't say I ever thought I was not going to make it. I thought it definitely might take a couple years to break in the NBA.
"The NBA is the best level you can be at. I've always strived to be the best. Right now, my whole deal is I'm not only ready to be signed, but to stop all the talking and get it going. I'm ready to play."
That will happen on Sept. 25, when he reports to Kings' camp.
"In about three weeks I'm pretty sure I will be in the best shape of my life," said Robertson, who has been playing pick-up basketball daily with Saint Louis University players and NBA player Larry Hughes of the Philadelphia 76ers. "One thing I learned playing in the (Salt Lake City) summer league is the talent level is so incredible, you have to be ready. There are college stars at every position. In college, sometimes not all five guys on the court are great. In the NBA, all five are great players so you must be physically and mentally prepared. My goal is to be in the best shape of my life."
Robertson averaged about eight points and four assists per game for the Kings in summer league play after averaging 12.8 points per game for KU last year.
"I don't think I did anything real bad, to be honest," Robertson said of his summer league stint. "It was one of those deals I don't think I excelled either. I didn't play poorly."
Robertson joins former KU teammate Scot Pollard on the Kings' roster.
"Scot left a message on my (answering) machine today," Robertson said. "He was happy for me. I'm really excited he's there. It'll make my transition easier."
Kings' GM Geoff Petrie is happy to have Robertson on board.
"We like his skill level, his attitude and his size," Petrie told the Associated Press. "With those characteristics, he has a real chance to succeed."
Robertson won't be taking anything for granted.
"I'll still be trying to prove myself. I'm always trying to do that," Robertson said. "I want to be in the league as long as I can. I'd like to consider myself a winner who is important to a team. That's an important thing to put on my resume."
On a personal note, Robertson will be married next summer in St. Louis. He's engaged to longtime girlfriend Andrea Czarnik, who attended the University of Missouri. Robertson says his brother, Troy, a senior-to-be at Saint Louis U., will be his best man.
-- Gary Bedore's phone number is 832-7186. His e-mail address is gbedore@ljworld.com.
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