You were already familiar with one of the Sonics' rookies, Earl Watson, given his annual appearances at Edmundson Pavilion as a UCLA Bruins point guard for four seasons.

Now he's the steady guard who gets consistent playing time in KeyArena.

But who are those other two first-year players, Vladimir Radmanovic and Predrag Drobnjak?

"They are going to be great players in the league," said Sacramento Kings center Vlade Divac, who also hails from Yugoslavia. "They're big talents."

To this point in the season, they have rarely received mention for two reasons: their minutes and contributions have been sporadic.

But Radmanovic and Drobnjak are developing into fixtures in coach Nate McMillan's rotation, with both Yugoslavian products expected to play tonight when the Sonics face the Golden State Warriors.

Golden State already has been horrendous enough to get coach Dave Cowens fired after an 8-15 start. But the Warriors are 2-1 since Brian Winters took over, both victories coming at the site of tonight's game, The Arena in Oakland.

Radmanovic, the Sonics' first-round draft choice, likely will return from a sprained ankle that caused him to miss the past three games.

Before the injury, the 6-foot-10 forward averaged 11.5 points in his past four games. He has Brent Barry's range and Gary Payton's ability to finish.

More importantly, Radmanovic is showing defensive improvement. He blocked four Miami Heat shots and stole the ball four times against the Los Angeles Lakers.

"Everybody talks about European players, that they can't play defense, that they're soft," he said. "I don't agree with that. If you want to play basketball in Europe, you must play defense, too."

Radmanovic's progress coincided with Desmond Mason's absence because of a sprained knee. His teammate's injury gave Radmanovic more playing time and a greater opportunity to flourish.

"With 20 to 30 minutes, you have time for everything," he said. "I'm feeling more comfortable."

The adjustment from one country to another is difficult enough without having to adapt to a new league and lifestyle. Radmanovic, son of a former colonel in the Yugoslavian army, is used to bouncing around, having moved six times in his childhood.

If there was a benefit to that, Radmanovic showed up in Seattle much tougher than most 21-year-olds, already learning life lessons.

His parents moved to Seattle three weeks ago, assisting in Radmanovic's transition.

"You come home and nobody's there," he said. "It's terrible. You're all alone. It's helped me a lot."

Drobnjak and Radmanovic live in the same Bellevue apartment complex. Drobnjak, 26, is 6-11 and 270 pounds, his size an asset for the smallish Sonics.

More than that, he can shoot from anywhere, possessing the range that will pull out defenders and free up the lane for his penetrating teammates.

Drobnjak was acquired from Washington in June for a second-round pick. Thus far he has played mostly in the second quarter, spelling Vin Baker. McMillan likes to keep Drobnjak on the floor when he's hot, but admits that Drobnjak is a defensive liability because opponents are quicker and faster than he is.

Drobnjak is working at becoming a better defender, acknowledging that on his European team, more attention was paid to offense.

"In my country, they don't respect you if you can't score," said Drobnjak, who is more uncomfortable talking to reporters than playing at this level.

He and good friend Radmanovic are blending in, and expect to have an impact on tonight's outcome in Oakland, as well as in the years to come.

"Before, I played basketball for fans and myself," Radmanovic said. "But now I am representing my country. Everyone there expects a lot from me, and that is OK. I am confident I can play and stay here for a long time."

SONICS AT WARRIORS

WHEN: Tonight, 7:30

WHERE: The Arena in Oakland

TV/RADIO: No TV; KJR-AM/950

RECORDS: Sonics 12-15, Warriors 10-16. Sonics won first meeting, 100-91, in KeyArena on Nov. 16.

INJURY REPORT: Sonics: C Jerome James (sprained foot) and C Calvin Booth (ankle tendinitis) are out. F Vladimir Radmanovic (sprained ankle) is probable. Warriors: G Gilbert Arenas (strained back), G Dean Oliver (strained hamstring) and C Erick Dampier (hyperextended left knee) are out. G Larry Hughes (sprained finger) is probable.

SCOUTING REPORT: Warriors 2-1 since Brian Winters replaced Dave Cowens as coach. ... Warriors lead league in rebounding, with Danny Fortson, averaging 13 rebounds, second to Tim Duncan. Fortson had 18 Wednesday night in a 101-88 victory over Detroit, the Sonics' opponent tomorrow night in KeyArena. ... The Warriors' best offensive player is Antawn Jamison, averaging 16.5 points. ... Rookie guard Jason Richardson is playing well, and Warriors bench is decent, featuring guards Bob Sura and Mookie Blaylock and forwards Chris Mills and rookie Troy Murphy.

OUTLOOK: Sonics have not lost in Oakland since March 19, 1999, mainly because All-Star point guard Gary Payton always gets up for games in his hometown. He scored 30 against the Warriors in November. But the nod goes to Golden State, playing at home and newly inspired with Winters as coach.

LINE: Pick'em. P-I PICK: Warriors, 103-98

-- Jim Moore