July 14, 2003

The Blazers signed first round draft pick Travis Outlaw today.

"Travis has the potential to be a contributing player on the court and in the community," said Blazers President Steve Patterson. "We're excited to begin his development into a great NBA player and citizen."

Outlaw, will spend his first season in Portland surrounded by his family. In fact, he brought his mother Markeeta, his father John, sister Kaehla, cousin Derrick and older brother John Jr. with him to the press conference.

"I know I'll get homesick, but that's part of growing up," Outlaw said. "You've got to move away from home someday. Having my family with me at first will help a lot."

"Obviously coming out of high school it's going to be a different transition for him," Cheeks said. "A lot of the things he did in high school, and worked in high school, won't automatically work in the NBA. His ability to pick up things is going to be one important aspect."

Outlaw, the 23rd overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft, will join the Blazers for a Summer League mini-camp in Portland and will travel with the team to Salt Lake City, Utah for the Rocky Mountain Revue.

Outlaw averaged 25 points, 10 rebounds and six blocked shots in leading Mississippi's Starkville High School to the Class 5A state championship game.