Dan Washburn's Shanghai Diaries

Alex Scales: Standing tall in Shanghai

Versions of this story appeared in the March 10, 2004 edition of the South China Morning Post (subscription only), the April 18, 2004 edition of the (Eugene, Ore.) Register-Guard and on FIBA.com, website for basketball’s worldwide governing body.

NBA dreams take former Oregon star around the world — and out of his element

by DAN WASHBURN

SHANGHAI — Alex Scales was surrounded. Moments after the Shanghai Sharks defeated the Zhejiang Horses, a huge push of people had its favorite foreign player corralled. His head and shoulders poking through the throng, Scales was at the mercy of the masses. If the crowd moved, he moved too — a bust bobbing on a sea of black hair. They wanted autographs and photos. He wanted a way out. It was the only time Scales looked lost on the basketball court that night.

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04.19.2004, 6:44 AM · Sports, Stories · Comments (6)