Friday, March 6, 1998 The University Daily Kansan Section B ยท Page 5 Pierce quietly dominates games By Tommy Gallagher tgallagher@kansan.com Kansan sportswriter Kansas forward Paul Pierce may appear to possess a casual attitude on the basketball court, displaying smooth moves with a certain degree of ease. Don't be fooled. lough smooth, Pierce can be rough on opponents. Coach Roy Williams said some people have mistaken Pierce's fluent ability for a lax style of play. "I think people mistake that a great deal in terms of intensity because they don't think he's playing as hard as he is," Williams said. "Paul does make things seem awfully easy at times." He scored 15 consecutive points in the second half against Oklahoma on Feb. 23. Against Oklahoma State on Sunday, he quietly racked up 13 points, six rebounds and five assists but just one turnover. Pierce was one of three players unanimously named first team All-Big 12 Conference. He also placed second in Big 12 Player of the Year balloting. He was the Most Outstanding Player of the Big 12 Conference Tournament last season, averaging 21.7 points and 7.3 rebounds, as the Jayhawks claimed the tournament title. Pierce said he hoped he could repeat that performance when Kansas opens tournament play at noon today against at Kansas State. Pierce's skills have Jayhawk fans speculating about whether Pierce, who averages 20.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, will return for his senior season at Kansas or leave for the NBA. Pierce said last week he would evaluate his play after the season had ended before making a decision. "I can see myself playing in a Kansas uniform next year," Pierce said. "But then I could see myself playing in the NBA next year. Right now it's up in the air. I really don't know." Regardless, Pierce offered a tentative timetable for a decision on his future. "Probably immediately after the season, I'll have a press conference on what I'd like to do." Pierce said. For now, Pierce has received phone calls at home from sports agents who would love to talk to him about the NBA. NCAA rules restrict such talks, and Pierce said he was unwilling to discuss anything until after the season. Guard Jelani Janisse, Pierce's roommate, said they have replied to the flood of phone calls with humor and caution. the phone, he just says. "I'm in to you!" and the woman Pierce said his senior year would present some new challenges. "We've received a lot of phone calls, but we just laugh at it now," Janisse said. "My response is 'He's not here.' And when he answers the phone, he just says I'll talk to you after the season is over." He said if he returned, he would work to improve his ball-handling skills and obtain more experience. He probably would face double teams and be expected to shoulder more responsibility on the court, especially with the departures of forward Raef LaFrentz and guard Billy Thomas. When asked about college life when compared to the lure of lucrative NBA contracts, Pierce said he would have left last season if his motives had been monetary. "The whole atmosphere is something that you'll never have again in your life," Pierce said. "But people have to do things for the better of their life. People have to make decisions, just like when I made the decision to leave home. I didn't want to leave my family, but it was a sacrifice I had to make." Above: Kansas forward Paul Pierce goes up for a dunk. Pierce might opt to go to the NBA after this season. Left: Paul Pierce salutes to the crowd at Allen Field House after cutting a piece of the net after Kansas clinched the Big 12 Conference championship. Photos by Steve Puppe/KANSAN 749-1666 9th & Iowa Hillcrest Shopping Center --- Shoe, Boot & Leather Repair 711 W.23rd, Suite 31 Mall's Shopping Center Hours: 9:00-6:00 Tues.-Friday 9:00am-1:00pm Sat. (785) 843-0959 --- They say personality is more important than looks. Better be on the safe side. We specialize in hair color and nails *Evening appointments available 123 W.8th Street 843-1465 $30 full set of acryllic nails New clients only. Exp. 3/31/98. Free Haircut with purchase of highlight New clients only. Exp. 3/31/98. JOIN A WINNING TEAM IMMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR PART-TIME PACKAGE HANDLERS IN OUR LENEXA FACILITY $8.50 - $9.50 HOUR Part-time/Monday-Friday 3:30a.m.-8:00a.m. (preload) 10:30a.m.-3:00p.m. (day) 4:30p.m.-9:00p.m. (twilight) Full Benefits/Paid Vacations 20-25 Hours/Week 10:30p.m.-3:00a.m. (night) No Weekends Promotions From Within (hours approximate) To Schedule an Appointment Call 1-888-WORK-UPS (Toll Free)