Bulls coaches coached two Lonny Baxters last season, the effective, no-nonsense player they called "Lonny" and the lost-looking, shot-forcing rookie they called "Lenny."

Only Lonny showed up at the Rocky Mountain Revue.

Granted, it was only the summer league, but Baxter impressed management with his fundamental play, knack for offensive rebounds and strong post moves.

Baxter averaged 18.5 points on 62 percent shooting, helping the Bulls finish first in the league at 5-1.

"I've been working hard with [strength coaches] Erik Helland and Jeff Macy to get stronger," Baxter said. "That way, I can get to the offensive boards. Hopefully, during the season, I can take some of this with me and play more minutes."

Baxter, a quiet, unassuming type who is typically one of the last to leave practice, averaged 4.8 points in 12.4 minutes per game last season. The 6-foot-8-inch, 260-pound forward filled in admirably when coach Bill Cartwright benched Marcus Fizer at the start of last season.

His strong play here could entice management to put Fizer in a familiar place?the trading block. Fizer, a solid offensive force off the bench, is rehabilitating from knee surgery.