Diogu's back

Former Arizona State star Ike Diogu went an entire season out of the NBA after 2009 microfracture surgery and was working out on his own last week before he signed and played with the Clippers on Wednesday. With three Clippers big men out, Diogu went into the rotation for 32 minutes in two games, including a six-point, three-rebound effort Sunday vs. Phoenix.

"The opportunity came out of nowhere," Diogu said. "It was getting to the point where I was probably going to have to go overseas and come back next season. I'm having a lot of fun, and I'm really thankful for this chance.

"This was all I've been looking for since I was drafted, just an opportunity. The naysayers were the ones who said the negative stuff. I knew I belonged in the NBA."