Admiration from afar key to selection of Brooks: year off allowed Adelman to size up Rockets' new guard.(basketball player Aaron Brooks and coach Rick Adelman)

Byline: Jonathan Feigen

Jun. 30--With a year to sit back and watch the NBA from stands and sofas, Rick Adelman studied the game and players, imagining how he would do things when he was back.

He watched the league take another step toward speed this past season and considered his offense fitting with the trend.

He also saw something else he might not have imagined becoming useful.

From Portland, Ore., Adelman could not help but notice the point guard at the University of Oregon.

Months later, with the first draft pick since Adelman became the Rockets' coach, they chose the Ducks' Aaron Brooks, and this time when Adelman was picturing a player running his offense, he eventually will be.

"I was really impressed with the level he played at," Adelman said. "I think he's got skills that are hard to guard. He's fast. He's quick. He really improved his shooting last year. I think he's going to add a real element. We want to push the ball more. We want to run more, have a little more activity. He gives us that.