SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — It was essentially a meaningless basket in the tail end of a decisive loss.

But for Derrick low, the hope is a good thing can happen with 3s.

Low, an 'Iolani School and Washington State graduate, is a member of the Dallas Mavericks' entry in the Rocky Mountain Revue, an abbreviated summer league for National Basketball Association rookies and prospects.

Low has a firm offer from a pro team in Australia, as well as some opportunities in Europe. For now, he is clutching to an NBA dream, an effort that will be boosted if he can fix some correctable concerns.

"I've got to be ready," said Low, who started at point guard during yesterday's 90-73 loss to the Golden State Warriors. "I'm used to starting and playing a lot of minutes."

With the Mavericks, he spends more time on the bench than on the court. When he is summoned, Low said, "You have to be able to shoot really good ... coming off the bench. It's a little hard, but that's what they all do in the NBA. They all come off the bench and make shots."

In the Mavericks' offense, Low is restricted to advancing the ball against tough man-to-man defense and "give the ball where it needs to be."

He rarely is asked to shoot.

"They have tons of scorers who can do that," Low said. "For a person in my position, I need to come in, take care of the ball and get it to somebody, and go the opposite way."

And that is what he did yesterday in four-minute stints. It appeared he was done when he exited in the third quarter.

But with 1:53 remaining in the 40-minute game, Low was summoned. With 24.3 seconds left, he pulled up and buried a 3 from the top of the key.

He had fulfilled one of his goals.

Low said he knows there is a time limit for the Australian offer. He also knows he has the ability to compete in the NBA.

"I'm optimistic," Low said. "I know it's hard to make it. I know I can play. I have to work on it."

He added: "I might not make it in the NBA this year, but it's definitely in my eyesight."