Pistons: Notebook

Austin Daye runs with chance

Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

Orlando, Fla. -- The difference between college and pro basketball is already apparent for Pistons rookie Austin Daye.

The last couple of seasons at Gonzaga, Daye was on the court at all times. Plays would be run for him, and through him.

But life in the NBA is different.

Until Wednesday's loss in Toronto, Daye had barely played.

"It's tough, you just never know when you're going to be called on," said Daye, who wound up playing nearly 17 minutes and had five points, three rebounds and two blocked shots, igniting a spirited Pistons comeback.

He has tried to be as ready as possible.

"You have to be mentally prepared for whatever my role," he said. "You don't know if you're going to play two minutes or 20 minutes. But I have to adjust. That's my job on the team and I have to be ready when I'm needed."

Daye's length (6-foot-10), shooting ability and unique blend of skills make him an intriguing prospect.

With the Pistons in need of some sort of spark Wednesday, coach John Kuester thought Daye could present a matchup problem for Toronto.

And he did, as Daye's long, seemingly never-ending arms produced a pair of blocks that got the Pistons running.

"I was pleased with Austin," Kuester said. "He's somebody who hadn't gotten a tremendous amount of opportunity, but he came in and gave us a lift."

Daye was just pleased to hear his name called.

"Of course," he said. "It was good to be in there when the big run happened. It felt good to come in in a late situation and make a contribution."

Spending so much time on the bench, Daye said he's been concentrating on what the Pistons have been running offensively and defensively and visualizing himself executing them.

Coaches have spent extra time working with him after practice.

"It's a different game because the guys are older and more mature," Daye said. "I'm still young, but with 82 games there's a lot of learning I can do."

Orlando hex

Detroit visits Orlando tonight, which on the surface shouldn't be a good thing. The Magic are among the top teams in the East.

But the Pistons have won 20 of their last 25 regular-season games against the Magic, including Tuesday at The Palace.

"I can't explain it," Rodney Stuckey said. "It's one of those things."

He said the Pistons try to focus on imposing center Dwight Howard and make his life difficult, but other than that, there's nothing out of the ordinary.

"They have a good team," Stuckey said. "Hopefully we can keep it going."

Said Kuester: "We'll have our hands full. Orlando is a great team."

Slam dunks

The Pistons had Thursday off after playing back-to-back games.

... Richard Hamilton (sprained right ankle) and Tayshaun Prince (back) are to be re-evaluated today. Neither is expected to play tonight.

ted.kulfan@detnews.com (313) 223-4606