The Big O: Big Pro

Before the season's start, the stars in the National Basketball Association wondered privately just how good the kid really was. True enough, Oscar ("The Big 0") Robertson, 21, had been the highest scorer in the history of college basketball, averaging 33.8 points per game for his three years as a forward at the University of Cincinnati. But at 6 ft. 5 in. and 205 Ibs., Robertson was too small to play forward with the pros, would have to be moved back to the strange position of guard. This week, after only a fortnight of play, the Big O's doubters are quietly swallowing their predictions: playing for the Cincinnati Royals, Rookie Guard Robertson is the new sensation of the N.B.A.

Against Syracuse last week, Robertson not only scored 39 points to lead his team to a 143-140 victory, but artfully threaded passes to teammates to assist in another eight baskets and catapulted off the floor to grab a dozen rebounds in elbowing, hip-swinging skirmishes under the hoop. In everything he did, Robertson fascinated pro fans with the same quality that has always set him apart: a rhythmic style of play that seemed to float him around the floor.

Last year, without Robertson, the Royals merely fed the ball to high-scoring Jack Twyman, finished with only 19 victories for the sorriest record in the N.B.A. With Robertson, this year's Royals won five of their first six games to take first place in the Western Division. Not only is Robertson averaging 27.9 points to lead the team, but his playmaking has given the Royals a balanced attack. Even so, Robertson frets about making mistakes against the pros: "I have a big ways to go, but I hope to get there before the season ends." In the eyes of the Royals, Robertson is there already. Says Jack Twyman: "Oscar's got it made."

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