Ex-Aggie Nelson headed to Italy

When Spencer Nelson recently got the chance to play for Benetton Treviso, one of the top teams in Europe, he discussed the move with Utah Jazz senior vice president of basketball operations Kevin O'Connor.

Nelson played for the Jazz in the 2005 and 2006 Rocky Mountain Revues and in the Jazz's 2005 veterans camp. He was hopeful of getting another fall camp invitation, though it seemed less likely for 2006 as the Jazz had a strong draft.

Nelson, a 2005 Utah State grad, played last winter for GHP Bamberg in Germany.

"Yeah, we talked to him about it," O'Connor said. "We explained to him that I thought it was a really good opportunity for him, and he can get some of his own questions answered.

"If he plays well there, I think he's got an opportunity to improve, become more of a three-man, and he's got an opportunity then to take the next step."

Nelson signed late last week with the five-time defending Italian League champion that produced the No. 1 pick of the 2006 NBA Draft, Andrea Bargnani, chosen by the Toronto Raptors. Benetton is nearly always a contender in the Euroleague.

"He's taking a step right now," O'Connor said. "This is a positive step for him. He's going to a powerhouse team in Europe. He's moved up.

They're giving him an opportunity to go and show his wares, and he'll get an opportunity to play against the best players outside of the NBA."

REAL RAUL: Former Jazz guard Raul Lopez recently re-signed for three years with Real Madrid, according to ProExposure.com. He was with Real when the Jazz drafted him in 2001.

FOURTH-YEAR QUESTION: The Boston Globe reported Sunday on several salary deals, including the new four-year contract of Jazz swingman Matt Harpring. The Globe noted that Harpring's $25 million pact could drop in the fourth year from $6.5 million to $2.5 million if he is unable to play a specified number of games due to a right-knee injury. Harpring had microfracture surgery on that knee last year.

The Jazz won't discuss contract terms, but there are indications the Globe's figures are pretty close.

COLLINS IN CAMP: Newly re-signed center Jarron Collins participated with other NBA players this week in the Seeds of Peace basketball clinic. The goal of the camp in Otisfield, Maine, is to use basketball to bring together 160 children from Israel, Palestine, Egypt, Jordan and the United States.