SINGING THOSE TWELFTH-MAN BLUES

SPORTS The Dallas Mavericks’ BILL WENNINGTON made a name for himself by waving his trademark towel, whipping the feithful into a frenzy during timeouts. That kind of rah-rah team spirit won the hearts of fans, but it hasn’t done much to change the seven-foot Wen-nington’s status as a perennial backup. For a twelfth man in the NBA, life is a roller coaster ride with more valleys than peaks.

Wennington, usually an amiable sort, was not looking forward to his fifth season as a never-was, “It’s frustrating,” he said between clenched teeth just before a November clash with Portland. “You try to plan your career and things just don’t work out. It’s a management decision. Right now I’m simply an insurance policy [for ROY TARPLEV]. I’m 26 years old and my career is going nowhere.”

The “decision” the Mavs made to protect ennington in the ’89 expansion draft was a mixed blessing for him: going to an expansion team would have meant years of losing-but as a likely starter, not a sub. The Mavs’ acquisition Of HERB WILLIAMS, another big man, meant that Wennington was pushed one notch further down the pine. Only Tarpley’s drug relapse last year saved him from premature burial on the bench.

“I don’t know what coach is thinking,” said Wennington, who never took off his warm-ups during the loss to Portland. “I know I have to stay mentally ready, but it’s getting harder every game.” And would he be firing ’em up with the ol’ towel again this season? Long pause. “F— the towel,” he said.

Then, two nights later against the Los Angeles Lakers, Wennington sparkled with 13 points in 14 minutes. The next day, JOHN MACLEOD told him he was now the main backup center and would be seeing 14 to 16 minutes a game-and that was before Tarpley’s recent DWI troubles. Presto.

“I’m happy,” Wennington said. “The ball is now in my court.” And the towel may be flying at Reunion again.