Blazers' Fernandez On NBA Fast Track

October 28, 2008 9:13 p.m. EST

Tualatin, OR (AHN) - Seven-year veteran of the Spanish ACB league Rudy Fernandez has adapted to life with the Trail Blazers much sooner than expected, putting up phenomenal numbers in his first NBA preseason.

He led the Blazers in steals, with 2.6 a game, and was tied third in assists at four per contest.

Fernandez was also fourth in scoring, averaging 12 points per game.

Many experts are optimistic about the Blazers chance at a postseason berth this year. The franchise is coming off a 41-41 season, and has not seen the playoffs since 2002.

Fernandez, along with fellow rookie Greg Oden, are strong favorites for Rookie of the Year, each showing the necessary tools to balance out a solid Trail Blazers roster.

The 23-year-old shooting guard began playing internationally at the age of 16, on the Spanish national junior team.

He comes from solid basketball stock, with his sister Marta, who played in the WNBA with the L,A, Sparks in 2007. She plays nationally for Spain as well.