When Reggie Theus thought about what he wanted the annual Fandemonium event at Arco Arena to entail, the Kings coach said he thought of one word – interactive.
And for that, 12-year-old Daniel Kozach would like to thank Theus.
Kozach left the event on Sunday night with a story to tell his friends. He played the video game "Rock Band" with Bobby Jackson and Quincy Douby.
That's the kind of memory Theus said he hoped the event would create.
"I think anytime fans are able to touch or connect or say something and a player says something back, it's a lot more fun than watching the guys goof off playing basketball," Theus said.
Several players, including Brad Miller and John Salmons, served food in the concession stands. Rookies Jason Thompson, Bobby Brown and Donte Greene entertained the estimated 6,000 fans in attendance with a dance contest, which featured some surprise choreographed moves.
"It's fun," Spencer Hawes said. "Even though training camp is the official start of the season, Fandemonium is a the ceremonial one where everyone is back together with the fans on the court. It gets everyone's excitement up."
Back to business – The Kings held a short practice Sunday morning with mostly shooting and a walkthrough. Theus said there might be some roster trimming this week to get down to the league limit of 15 players. The Kings have 17 players on their training camp roster. The deadline to make the cuts is Oct. 27.
"We haven't talked about anything," Theus said. "We don't have a particularly big training camp, so I think we can wait at least until after the first game."
The Kings travel to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday.
Healing time – Douby said his sprained right ankle is much better but still not 100 percent.
"It should be in a few more days," said Douby, who suffered the injury after coming down on a teammate's foot during Friday's practice. "It's slightly swollen, nothing too serious."
Basketball barrier – Forward Zhang Kai said he will take many lessons home to China after his time with the Kings is through.
"NBA players focus on the details," Kai said through his translator.
Before participating in several of the Fandemonium activities, including a relay game, Kai said the language barrier has been difficult while staying in Sacramento.
"It's hard to communicate with teammates and coaches, especially when they run practice," Kai, 25, said.
Home sweet home – Hawes said he's feeling a little more settled these days. The second-year center said he was living in a local hotel during the first part of training camp because he was late finding housing.
"I'm settled in now," Hawes said. "It's a lot better. My mom came down and helped me move in."
Call The Bee's Melody Gutierrez, (916) 326-5521.
