You have to like Amal McCaskill's perseverance.

After leaving Marquette University in 1996, the 6-foot-11 center has practically traveled the world in hope of finding full-time employment in the NBA. Finally, it looks like he may have found a job.

"He's played really well for us,'' said Sam Schuler, the San Antonio Spurs vice president of basketball operations and the man principally responsible for bringing McCaskill to the team. "He looks like he's a legit player. Sometimes it just takes some guys longer to make it here.''

But McCaskill's days of piling up frequent flyer miles may be over. He has impressed everyone in the Spurs' organization with his athleticism, versatility and desire. In six preseason games, McCaskill averaged 7.3 points and 6.2 rebounds in 22.2 minutes.

There is a chance Spurs coach Gregg Popovich might even use McCaskill in his rotation, playing him behind future Hall-of-Fame big men Tim Duncan and David Robinson.

"Amal has really been a pleasant surprise for us,'' Schuler said. "Of course, It's up to him (Popovich), but I think Amal could get some decent minutes this season.''