Short and sweet!

By SCOTT ZERR -- Edmonton Sun If there was ever any doubt that a player only five-foot-three could lead a successful life in the NBA, Muggsy Bogues has proven it's possible.
Never one to believe the negative chatter of naysayers, Bogues, a free-agent addition to the Toronto Raptors lineup for this season, has not only survived but flourished in the tall man's game.
During the 1997-98 campaign, Bogues reached four career milestones: 6,000 points; 6,000 assists; 2,000 rebounds and 1,200 steals. Impressive numbers for a guy who barely reaches the belt buckle of many of his peers.
"I was a high draft pick when I came out of college and a lot of basketball-savvy people knew what I was capable of doing, but the fans had never been introduced to a guy my size," said Bogues, who will show Edmonton hoops fans his stuff tonight in the Naismith Cup exhibition matchup against the Vancouver Grizzlies at Skyreach Centre (tipoff at 7).
"It meant I had to open some eyes and make some people see the game for what it really is. And I was able to do that throughout 12 years of playing. I had a great career in Washington and went on and blossomed more so in Charlotte. I was really able to put my name on the map."
The now 34-year-old Bogues, who joined the NBA after a stellar collegiate career with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, was named MVP for the expansion Charlotte Hornets in 1989-90. From that point on the question of his height, or lack thereof, has been moot. Bogues has established himself as a true talent in spite of his physical limitations.
Still quick on his feet and with a decade-plus of experience to rely on, Bogues will take on a leadership role with the up-and-coming Raptors, a team destined to reach new heights of success in 2000. Toronto has improved its veteran quotient by acquiring Del Curry, Antonio Davis and Bogues to work alongside Kevin Willis, Charles Oakley and Dee Brown. That seasoned cast should have a few tips for the core of budding superstars that will make the Raptors a threat in the Eastern Conference.
"The players we have, with (1998-99 rookie of the year) Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady and Doug Christie and the veterans, it's an interesting group to be around. And with the direction that they were headed in, it seemed like it was a perfect fit for me, so I was very happy to come here and willing to come and help them get to that next level," said Bogues.
"I like what we have. We've got a very versatile team, a talented team and it's just a good bunch of guys to be around."
The kind of enthusiasm with which Bogues discusses the latest edition of the Raptors leads one to think that he'd like to stick around for a while and be a force on a team trying to leapfrog over New York, Miami and the rest of the Eastern powerhouses.
"I'm very thankful for the career that I've had, but I feel that I've got a lot more to go - a little more growth left - and I'd like to see a ring at the end of that rainbow."
RAPTOR RAP: Bogues, who had his No. 14 retired at Wake Forest, is familiar with the name Naismith even though tonight will be his first Naismith Cup appearance. In 1986-87, he received the Frances Pomeroy Naismith award for the top college player under six-feet tall ... Onetime slam dunk champion Dee Brown did not make the trip to Edmonton, having undergone minor knee surgery Friday.