RGV Vipers: Clint Capela only about '60 percent'

http://www.themonitor.com/sports/rg...cle_44fbedea-6245-11e3-bae2-0019bb30f31a.html

11.11.14 Rockets assignee Capela about '60 percent'

Earlier Monday morning, the Rockets assigned their first player this season to the Vipers, sending 6-10, 245-pound rookie center Clint Capela down to the Valley.

Capela missed all of preseason with a groin injury that he has still not fully recovered from. He played one game with the Rockets last week, garbage time minutes during a blowout win over the Spurs, and was on a minutes restriction Monday night for the Vipers' preseason game against Fuerza Regia.

Capela looked good and was highly effective during his 7-minute, 24-second stint. He had eight points and four rebounds, hitting 3 of his 6 shots but missing 4 of 6 free throws.

“It was exciting because I got back on the floor and was able to play," Capela said after the game. "My groin was hurting me a little bit in the first half, so I preferred to stop, just to be ready for Friday (Vipers season opener)."

Capela said he "was feeling good" out there and was even surprised by how well he played.

“I feel like 60 percent (full strength); I feel I can be a lot more," Capela said. " I just played seven minutes, so I need to get that up more.”

Before the game, Vipers coach Nevada Smith said Capela is a difference-maker. RGV is woefully undersized without him, and having a big man who can run and defend will add a nice dimension.

Capela is expected to spend a lot of time with the Vipers this season to refine a raw skillset.

"I can't picture anybody down here that's going to be a better rebounder or a faster big than he is," Smith said. "He's like a deer. He'll be flying up and down the floor, he'll grab every rebound. Getting him pushed around a little bit by some bigger guys is what we want to see. He's going to be really good down here."