Calvin Has a Lot Going On

Mack Calvin has found a new calling--two, actually.

The former USC basketball player, who for three decades was a pro basketball journeyman and coach, will coach boys’ basketball at Compton Dominguez High while fulfilling a promise to care for an elderly View Park widow and her brother, who is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Calvin said he declined two NBA offers--one as an assistant coach, the other as a scout--that would have taken him away from Southern California.

“It’s amazing how everything changes when there’s someone important in your life,” said Calvin, 53. “For the first time, I realize that doing things for other people and supporting other people is more important than money.”

Calvin befriended Ruth Smith, 88, and her brother, James Brooks, 86, several years ago, around the time that Smith’s husband died. Calvin visits from his Marina del Rey home several times a week.

About a dozen teenagers have also become integral parts of Calvin’s life after his hiring at Dominguez, which he confirmed Friday. But Calvin conceded he has work to do before the Dons attempt to win their fourth consecutive state Division II title. Bobby Jones, the team’s top returning player, and several others have told Calvin they are considering transfers. Calvin is having lunch with Jones and his father today in an attempt to persuade him to stay.Calvin replaces Russell Otis, who was dismissed after being charged in November with sexually molesting a player. He was acquitted in April.

Last month, Otis asked to be reinstated as coach and physical education instructor. R. Keith Beeman, an associate superintendent with the Compton Unified School District, declined to comment on whether the district gave Otis’ request serious consideration.