Spurs' Neal is making name for himself

The Spurs just seem to find players. The latest discovery for the NBA's top team is rookie Gary Neal, 26, who bounced around the Eurobasket circuit for the last three seasons before a strong Summer League performance with San Antonio earned him a three-year contract. The 6-4 guard worked his way into Gregg Popovich's rotation, and he had back-to-back 22-point efforts last week.

"I just think he's been magnificent, not just because he's making shots,'' Popovich told reporters in San Antonio. "He rebounds, he sticks his nose in. He's trying to play good defense. He's learning more every day. He's a coachable kid. He's been a real joy.''

While at La Salle, Neal was acquitted after being brought to trial on sexual assault charges. He transferred to Towson and starred there, averaging 26.1 and 25.3 points per game in two seasons. He went undrafted in 2007 and went on to play in Turkey, Spain and Italy before he finally got his NBA break.

"My confidence level is pretty high,'' Neal told reporters in San Antonio. "Tomorrow morning, when we watch film, I'm pretty sure Coach Pop will bust that bubble. But right now, I'm feeling good.''