Randy Ayers was on his way to the 76ers' locker room in UMass-Boston's Clark Athletic Center after the game when he was stopped and asked for identification.

He didn't mind at all. No one had to tell him this was his first semi-official game as the Sixers' head coach. And he had far more important things on his mind - things he needed to tell his young players after an 86-80 loss to the New Jersey Nets in the Reebok Summer League last night.

But nothing huge, nothing that stopped him from saying, "For a first game, this was fine."

There were some encouraging signs. Second-year man John Salmons, termed by Ayers the Sixers' "best player" in last week's camp for rookies, free agents and selected veterans, put up 29 points and committed just a single turnover in 36 minutes. Sam Clancy, who did not play at all as a rookie after undergoing surgery to repair a dislocated left kneecap in May 2002, had 17 points and seven rebounds in 24 minutes.

Via Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia 76ers

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