As the scheduling would have it, Brandon Roy's return home to Seattle just happened to coincide with the Sonics' ceremony to retire the number of Spencer Haywood.

Haywood, dubbed Seattle's original superstar, and Roy have at least that in common, as Roy will likely be remembered as one of the greatest players to don a Husky uniform.

That is where the similarities would end between the two great players, however, as Haywood, in the early 1970s, was the first player to break the barrier in order to allow players as young as 18 to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Roy went a different route. He originally declared his intentions to enter the NBA draft after graduating from Garfield High School, but was unable to convince scouts and teams that he was worth a pick.

He spent the next four years honing his game, and became one of the top players in the country. In his senior season, Roy was named Pac-10 Player of the Year and received consensus first team All-America honors.

He was able to then parlay that into becoming the sixth pick in the NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, but would never set foot in the Twin Cities. He was immediately traded back to the West Coast to play for the Portland Trailblazers.

Since that moment, it has been an uphill battle for Roy to learn a new game. Always up to a new challenge, the former Husky has seized a prominent role for the Trailblazers, helping ease the transformation from college standout to NBA rookie.

"The transition has been smooth," Roy said. "It's funny because I'm still somewhat in a position like I was at Washington, where coach gets me the ball with the game on the line; the only difference here is that when I do bad no one points a finger, but when I do well everyone sort of praises me. I feel like I go out there and play with the same fire everyone does."

As a newcomer to the league, his acclimation has not been without its trials. Roy landed awkwardly on his foot in a Nov. 8 game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The injury was diagnosed as a heel impingement, caused when nerves and tendons become pinched in the ankle as a result of a sprain.

The injury lasted 20 games, keeping him out of play for a month and a half.

When he did return, though, Roy immediately made an impact. By the All-Star break, he was averaging 15.6 points — easily the best among rookies this season — four rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.

"It's been everything I've expected and more," Roy said of his first season. "The reason I say more is because I'm just happy to be in the NBA, and I want to contribute a little bit to my team. And to be in a position where I'm able to play in the Rookie/Sophomore game and be mentioned as a candidate for Rookie of the Year is more than a little bit."

Even in a game like his one in Seattle — a game in which he struggled from a statistical standpoint (six points on 3-of-13 shooting, three rebounds and five assists) — it was apparent that Roy's impact on a young Portland team is much like the one he had on a young Washington team.

He makes other players better. As a rookie, he led the Trailblazers in minutes played Monday, with 36. He played defense on the Sonics' best shooters, Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis.

Without question, Roy has placed himself in position to take the top honor for rookies, and will continue to be a go-to guy for coach Nate McMillan.

McMillan has been impressed with Roy's maturity and improvement all season. His ability to take on veterans without flinching is irreplaceable on the court, and it has made him a leader on a team desperate for a captain.

Does Roy miss college, though?

"A little bit," he admits. "It's a lot different. College games are a lot different than NBA games. [College] fans are mostly students and really diehard. NBA fans are a little older and more businesslike."

The fans are not the only difference, though. Part of the transition is getting used to a whole different group of teammates, all with a variety of goals and lifestyles.

"Guys carry themselves the same, except they're a little older and have a lot more money," Roy said with a smile. "College is a lot more like a team, a family environment; NBA is more individual. Me still being young and being around pros now, its different now. Guys have money and families and are a little more divided. College is way more like a family."

It's a family that Roy still considers himself a part of as well. If anyone outside the team is as aware of the Huskies' struggles, it's Roy.

During Washington's most recent road trip to Oregon State and Oregon, Roy showed up in Corvallis, and at the half gave the team words of encouragement.

"They're struggling," he said of the Huskies. "They're a young basketball team, and it shows, especially on the road. I just tell them to keep their heads up. They have a chance in the Pac-10 Tournament where anything can happen. Hopefully they can get into the NCAA Tournament."

Despite his newfound success and having new city to impress, Roy has not forgotten where he comes from. As he put it, "I'm always a Husky."

Reach reporter Justin Chartrey at sports@theddaily.washington.edu.