Originally published Sunday, January 14, 2007 at 12:00 AM

A new position for Ridnour

Seattle Times staff reporter

Seattle SuperSonics' Luke Ridnour answers questions from the media after he agreed to a multi-year contract extension in Seattle Monday, Oct. 30, 2006. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey) WAKC101

KEVIN P. CASEY / AP

Seattle SuperSonics' Luke Ridnour answers questions from the media after he agreed to a multi-year contract extension in Seattle Monday, Oct. 30, 2006. (AP Photo/Kevin P. Casey) WAKC101

The point-guard controversy in Seattle was supposed to have been settled in October during training camp, but apparently Luke Ridnour got a little too comfortable in his starting position.

The fourth-year player was demoted to the bench starting with the Sonics' game against Golden State on Jan. 6.

And with replacement Earl Watson having averaged 11.8 assists in his past four games — including a career-high 16 in a win against Utah on Friday — it doesn't look like Ridnour will return to the starting lineup soon.

"I'm just staying positive and trying to help our team win," he said. "That's it. I know we're just trying to find some wins. That's what's going on right now."

The Sonics were on a six-game losing streak before defeating Utah in overtime.

Ridnour has also struggled with his shot of late, shooting just 34.1 percent (15 of 44) in January after shooting 48.9 in November and 45.0 in December. He has been working with Sonics assistant coach Gordon Chiesa on developing a consistent runner in the paint, as well as on his defense.

"I'm going to make the most of it," Ridnour said.

Jayda Evans: 206-464-2067 or jevans@seattletimes.com


NBA players with school ties to Washington
Player (School)	Ht	Pos	Team	Min.	Pts	Reb	Ast
J. Crawford (R. Beach H.S.)	6-5	G	New York	36.8	17.2	3.1	4.2
D. Dickau (Prairie H.S., UW, Gon.)	6-0	G	Portland	6.7	2.0	0.4	0.8
Bobby Jones (UW)	6-7	F	Philadelphia	5.6	1.9	1.3	0.3
Adam Morrison (Gonzaga, Mead)	6-8	F	Charlotte	33.3	13.7	3.2	2.1
Scot Pollard (Kamiakin H.S.)	6-11	F-C	Cleveland	3.0	0.0	1.2	0.0
Luke Ridnour (Blaine H.S.)	6-2	G	Seattle	33.4	13.9	3.8	6.1
N. Robinson (R. Beach H.S., UW)	5-9	G	New York	20.2	9.5	2.3	1.6
Brandon Roy (Garfield H.S., UW)	6-6	G	Portland	31.5	13.8	3.9	2.9
Brian Scalabrine (Enumclaw H.S.)	6-9	F	Boston	15.5	3.0	1.7	0.9
Jason Terry (Franklin H.S.)	6-2	G	Dallas	34.8	15.8	3.0	4.9
Ronny Turiaf (Gonzaga)	6-10	F	L.A. Lakers	11.4	4.6	2.9	0.7
Martell Webster (Seattle Prep)	6-7	G-F	Portland	21.6	7.5	2.8	0.8
Marvin Williams (Bremerton H.S.)	6-9	F	Atlanta	31.8	12.1	4.3	1.4