Norfolk, VA (WAVY) - Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Scott, a former star for the University of Virginia, spent some time back home on Saturday evening. The 6-foot-8-inch forward, who was first noticed at Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, stopped by the Foot Locker at MacArthur Mall in Norfolk to take a few pictures and sign a few autographs.
Scott blossomed into a high-flyer over his senior season with the Cavaliers. Over the 2011-2012 season, Scott averaged 18 points and just over eight rebounds a night for Head Coach Tony Bennett. His transition to the NBA was anything but smooth.
"At first you're thinking you'll play a lot, and you came from a college where you played a lot., you're the man, and actually that's not what it is," recalled Scott, "It's a big transition. You want to start over, take your time and basically learn your role."
His roll as a rookie took him for a roller coaster ride. Scott went from spending time in the NBA's developmental league to scoring a season-high 22 points against the San Antonio Spurs. Scott spent two stints in the D-League, and at first felt his team may have been sending him a message.
"At first, I was like, 'Man, do they not think I can play?' But that was just the immaturity," Scott said, "(The D-league) was basically to get down there and get some playing time, have fun and play.
"At the same time I went down there, I took care of business."
Made in the U.S.A.