The story was obvious at this evening's open practice that marked the first time fans got a look at their 2001- 2002 Seattle Supersonics. Not only does Vin Baker look good, he feels good as well. And more importantly, he played good -- or to be gramatically correct, well -- in leading his White team to a 96-75 victory over the Green.

Baker received the loudest cheers from the crowd throughout the night, from the pre-scrimmage full-court drills to when he left to a loud ovation with under a minute to go in what had been for him a tremendous third quarter. In person, Baker looked like he was in great shape, and perhaps most notably got upcourt with his team throughout the game, as opposed to last season, when he frequently loitered in backcourt while the Sonics had the ball.

Baker's jumper was as good and consistent as that of anyone else on the court, though he went to the perimeter less frequently than last season. In the paint, Baker got good shots and powered through contact, another problem area last season. On defense, Baker was strong in the post, keeping his man out of the lane and making a couple of nice strip moves while the offensive player was raising up for a shot. All in all, it was a performance which continued the early camp optimism of Sonic fans and gave hope for a Baker resurgence this season.

Handicapping some battles:
- Third string point guard
Earl Watson sat out the practice due to a bruised heel injury, meaning his progress to this point is unknown. Eddie Gill, who has lately been rumored to be likely one of the first cuts, struggled during the second quarter as the White team built most of their lead, turning the ball over repeatedly. Anthony Johnson did most of the harrassing of Gill, but showed little offensively.

- Backup big man
Each of the three main candidates for reserve forward/center displayed varying skills. Jerome James started for the Green team and was impressive in the early going, grabbing upwards of five rebounds in the first quarter alone. Predrag Drobnjak demonstrated nice touch with his perimeter jumper and had a pair of nice assists. One went to Olumide Oyedeji, who looked as raw as he did last season, still demonstrating tremendous athleticism and reboundign ability, but making too many mistakes.

- Fifth forward
If rotations in the scrimmage were any indication, Art Long would seem to have the inside track, as he started while Antonio Harvey and Eddie Elisma came off the bench, all for the Green team. Long made some nice athletic plays but appeared overmatched on the boads. Harvey showed that he has an annoying tendency to launch 18 foot jumpers which have little chance of success. Elisma contributed little aside from one impressive strip of a rebound and lay-in, all in one motion.

Turnout for the practice was impressive, as the Skyline High School gymnasium was at full capacity with fans even being turned away at the beginning of the game. The Sonics collected 766 dollars for the Red Cross from the assembled crowd. Another open practice will be held this Friday, the 12th, at Franklin High School in Seattle.