Ex-Spiders Harper, Anderson deal with NBA lockout

Justin Harper spent Monday at a family reunion in Detroit. Under ordinary circumstances, the former University of Richmond star would have been wrapping up participation in a NBA summer league.

A NBA summer league also would have been a hot spot for ex-Spiders guard Kevin Anderson as he attempted to catch the attention of a team that might extend an invitation to training camp.

But Anderson continues to work out at UR, which is what Harper will do when he returns from Detroit. The NBA lockout, which began July 1, freezes matters for Harper and reduces options for Anderson.

Harper was selected with the 32nd pick in the NBA draft (early second round), and acquired by the Orlando Magic. But the 6-foot-10 forward from Meadowbrook High isn't allowed to train at the Magic's complex or have contact with any member of the team's coaching staff because of the lockout.

"I'm just trying to get stronger and maintain my conditioning, or get in better condition, during this lockout period," Harper said Monday. "I'm using it as an opportunity to really improve and develop even more. I want to be prepared as best as I can whenever it's time to return."

Though some NBA players have indicated they will play in Europe until the labor dispute ends, Harper said he hasn't explored competing overseas. That could be an eventual possibility, he said.

For now, "We'll wait it out," Harper said.

Anderson, a 6-foot guard from Atlanta, plans to play in Europe, and is investigating potential destinations in France, Germany, Belgium and Poland. The 2010 Atlantic 10 Conference player of the year auditioned for eight NBA teams in small group settings leading into the June 23 NBA draft. Anderson was not chosen in the two-round, 60-pick procurement. He hoped to have the opportunity to make another impression on NBA personnel evaluators in five-on-five situations, in one of the league-sponsored summer leagues. But those were knocked out by the lockout, which also prohibits free-agent signings.

Anderson doesn't know if an NBA team will want him when the labor situation allows, so the two-time all-A-10 choice will head overseas to start his professional career.

"I'm going to go (to Europe) and play as well as I can, play as hard as I can, and not get so fixated on the NBA," Anderson said. "This is a great opportunity."

His goal still is to play in the NBA, but as Anderson sees it, the situation parallels what he experienced as a high school senior. He hoped to play for a school in a BCS league, but received no scholarship offers from one.

"Richmond came along, and I didn't know too much about it, but it was a great opportunity," said Anderson, who graduated from UR with a business degree. He and Harper helped the Spiders to the 2011 A-10 championship, advancement to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament and a 29-8 record. It was UR's second straight trip to the NCAA tourney.

"You never want to get down on yourself and not make the most of the opportunity," Anderson said. "I don't know much about overseas, but I have to make the most of my situation there."

Harper, who left UR with a marketing degree, is considering moving his training base later this summer to Washington, D.C., near the offices of Octagon Basketball, which represents him. Harper's father, Ollie Harper, works in Washington as the executive director of public education facilities/modernization and construction.

Though second-round picks do not have guaranteed contracts or roster spots, the Magic traded two future draft picks to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Harper's rights, increasing the probability that Orlando has plans for Harper.

"I've told all my guys to prepare as if the lockout is going to end before training camp. But I think we're all feeling like it could go into November, or even December, the way it's been so far," said Lance Young, senior director of Octagon Basketball. Young represents a handful of established NBA players, in addition to Harper.

"I think a guy in Justin's situation, him staying (in the U.S.) and training, just getting ready for the season is probably his best option right now," Young said. "He's young. He's a guy who could use a little extra training this summer."