Beating the odds, Jose Juan Barea is learning his way en route to the NBA dream of his lifetime. As a Dallas Maverick, he had little playing time when he first came on board. As a point guard standing no more than six-feet tall, Barea had his work cut out for him.

He saw little playing time in his first full season and nearly none during the Mavericks’ appearance in the Playoffs. But, Barea says, “It’s a learning experience.”

It certainly is. He didn’t complain when he was sent, only two months after joining the team, to the D-League affiliate in Fort Worth for an indefinite time during the season. Barea enjoyed the experience and values the education he received there.

Jose Barea was a member of the Puerto Rican team that won the gold medal during the 2006 Central American and Caribbean Games. In 2007, Barea won the silver medal in the Pan American Games as the starting point guard of the Puerto Rican national team's second squad.

Barea is used to practicing, winning and starting from scratch…all over again. He’s played for a variety of teams both in the U.S. and internationally. Transforming is nothing new to him. He hopes to prove himself, once again, next season as a two-year vet of the Dallas Mavericks. He’ll play his best and most likely welcome whomever shows up on the bench as next season’s rookie. Maybe he’ll even provide a few pointers.

José Barea stats:

• Mavericks Position: Point Guard

• Mavericks Playing Number: 11

• Years pro: 1

• Height: 6’0”

• Weight: 175 lbs.

• Born: June 126, 1984 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

• College: Northeastern

• Draft: Undrafted

• 2008 salary with the Mavs: $687,456

2007-08 Player Stats with the Mavs:

• PPG: 4.3

• APG: 1.3

• SPG: 0.3