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Friday, June 30, 2006 

pocket digging season opens

Now that the draft has passed we find ourselves on the eve of free agent frenzy a period that sees some serious money get thrown around to proven players. This year's crop of players ressembles very much the description bestowed upon the draft no "franchise" bidding war is going to break out but solid role players can be had.

Top free agents


Ben Wallace
Al Harrington
Peja Stojakovic (PO)
Drew Gooden (R)
Mike James (PO)
Jason Terry
Nene (R)
Bonzi Wells
Sam Cassell
Joel Przybilla
Vladimir Radmanovic
Chris Wilcox (R)
Nazr Mohammed
Fred Jones
Tim Thomas
Ronald Murray
Jumaine Jones
Francisco Elson
Speedy Claxton
Darius Songaila (PO)
Melvin Ely (R)
Alonzo Mourning
Bobby Jackson
Jared Jeffries (R)
Reggie Evans
Reuben Patterson (PO)
Keith Van Horn
James Posey (PO)
Matt Harpring

(p.s. don't forget Lattrell Sprewell)




more players listed here by position (please excuse the redundancy if any):

POINT GUARD

David Wesley, Houston
Marcus Banks, Minnesota
Chucky Atkins, Memphis
Jason Hart, Sacramento (PO)
Jannero Pargo, Chicago
Gary Payton, Miami
Tony Delk, Detroit
Nick Van Exel, San Antonio
Jacque Vaughn, New Jersey
Milt Palacio, Utah
Anthony Carter, Minnesota
Keith McLeod, Utah (Team option)
Rick Brunson, Seattle
Howard Eisley, LA Clippers
Lindsey Hunter, Detroit
Royal Ivey, Atlanta
Andre Emmett, Miami (Restricted)
Moochie Norris, Houston
Darrick Martin
Jeff McInnis, New Jersey (Player option)
Eddie Gill, Indiana
Darrell Armstrong, Dallas
Troy Bell
Mike Wilks, Cleveland
Mateen Cleaves, Seattle
Alvin Williams, Toronto (Player option)
Anthony Goldwire, LA Clippers
Antonio Burks, Memphis (Restricted)
Lionel Chalmers
Aaron Miles, Golden State
Anthony Roberson, Memphis (Team option)
Horace Jenkins

SHOOTING GUARD

Keith Bogans, Houston (Restricted)
John Salmons, Philadelphia (Restricted)
Derek Anderson, Miami (Player option)
DerMarr Johnson, Denver
DeShawn Stevenson, Orlando (Player option)
Greg Buckner, Denver (Player option)
Anfernee Hardaway, Orlando
Jimmy Jackson, SG, Phoenix
Lamond Murray, New Jersey
Aaron McKie, LA Lakers (Player option)
Richie Frahm, Houston
Eric Piatkowski, Chicago
Linton Johnson, New Jersey
Matt Carroll, Charlotte (Team option)
Voshon Lenard, Portland
Shandon Anderson, Miami
Rawle Marshall, Dallas (Team option)
Awvee Storey, Washington (Restricted)
Stacey Augmon, Orlando
Andre Owens, Utah (Restricted)
Charles Smith, Portland
Bernard Robinson, Charlotte (Restricted)
Alex Acker, Detroit (Restricted)
Kevin Burleson, Charlotte (Restricted)
Reece Gaines, Milwaukee
Tony Bobbitt, LA Lakers (Restricted)
Jermaine Jackson
Von Wafer, LA Lakers (Team option)
Alan Anderson, Charlotte (Team option)
Devin Green, LA Lakers (Restricted)

SMALL FORWARD

Jumaine Jones, Charlotte
Tim Thomas, Phoenix
Rasual Butler, New Orleans
Devean George, LA Lakers
Trevor Ariza, Orlando (Restricted)
Justin Reed, Minnesota (Restricted)
Devin Brown, Utah (Team option)
Walter McCarty, LA Clippers
Laron Profit, LA Lakers
Jiri Welsch, Milwaukee (Restricted)
Qyntel Woods, New York
Eric Williams, Toronto (Player option)
Toni Kukoc, Milwaukee
Lee Nailon, Philadelphia
Ronald Dupree, Minnesota (Restricted)
Ryan Bowen, Houston (Player option)
Maciej Lampe, Houston (Restricted)
George Lynch
Adrian Griffin, Dallas
Calbert Cheaney, Golden State
Shavlik Randolph, Philadelphia (Restricted)
Matt Barnes, Philadelphia
Bryon Russell, Denver
Ndudi Ebi
Donta Smith, Atlanta (Team option)
Sean Banks, New Orleans
Terrence Morris, Orlando

POWER FORWARD

Darius Songaila, Chicago (Player option)
Jackie Butler, New York (Restricted)
Alan Henderson, Cleveland
Jackson Vroman, New Orleans (Restricted)
Clifford Robinson, New Jersey (Team option)
Stanislav Medvedenko, LA Lakers
Lawrence Roberts, Memphis (Team option)
Samaki Walker, Indiana
Sean Marks, San Antonio
Aaron Williams, New Orleans
Brandon Bass, New Orleans (Team option)
Bo Outlaw, Orlando
Josh Powell, Dallas (Team option)
Jared Reiner, Phoenix
Lonny Baxter, Houston

CENTER

Melvin Ely, Charlotte (Restricted)
Lorenzen Wright, PF/C, Memphis
Kelvin Cato, Detroit
Jarron Collins, Utah
DJ Mbenga, Dallas (Restricted)
Mario Kasun, Orlando (Restricted)
Scott Pollard, Indiana
Michael Olowokandi, C, Boston
Jake Voskuhl, Charlotte
Antonio Davis, Toronto
Brian Grant, Phoenix
Ervin Johnson, Milwaukee
Loren Woods, Toronto
Boniface N'Dong, LA Clippers (Restricted)
Michael Bradley, Philadelphia
Curtis Borchardt, Boston (Restricted)
Ha Seung-Jin, Portland (Restricted)
Jamal Sampson, Sacramento
Pat Burke, Phoenix
Zendon Hamilton, Cleveland
Earl Barron, Miami

6/30/2006 01:15:00 PM | |

Thursday, June 29, 2006 

2006 draft board

1st ROUND

1. Toronto Raptors Andrea Bargnani, Forward, Italy
2. Chicago Bulls LaMarcus Aldridge, Forward, Texas (to Portland)
3. Charlotte Bobcats Adam Morrison, Forward, Gonzaga
4. Portland Trail Blazers Tyrus Thomas, Forward, Louisiana State (to Chicago)
5. Atlanta Hawks Shelden Williams, Forward, Duke
6. Minnesota Timberwolves Brandon Roy, Guard, Washington (to Portland)
7. Boston Celtics Randy Foye, Guard, Villanova (to Minnesota via Portland)
8. Houston Rockets Rudy Gay, Forward, Connecticut
9. Golden State Warriors Patrick O'Bryant, Center, Bradley
10. Seattle Supersonics Saer Sene, Forward, Senegal
11. Orlando Magic J.J. Redick, Guard, Duke
12. N.O./Okla. City Hornets Hilton Armstrong, Center, Connecticut
13. Philadelphia 76ers Thabo Sefolosha, Guard, Switzerland (to Chicago)
14. Utah Jazz Ronnie Brewer, Guard, Arkansas
15. NOOCH Cedric Simmons, Forward, North Carolina State
16. Chicago Bulls Rodney Carney, Forward, Memphis (to Philadelphia)
17. Indiana Pacers Shawne Williams, Forward, Memphis
18. Washington Wizards Oleksiy Pecherov, Center, Ukraine
19. Sacramento Kings Quincy Douby, Guard, Rutgers
20. New York Knicks Renaldo Balkman, Forward, South Carolina
21. Phoenix Suns Rajon Rondo, Guard, Kentucky (to Boston)
22. NJ Nets Marcus Williams, Guard, Connecticut
23. NJ Nets Josh Boone, Forward, Connecticut
24. Memphis Grizzlies Kyle Lowry, Guard, Villanova
25. Cleveland Cavaliers Shannon Brown, Guard, Michigan State
26. L.A. Lakers Jordan Farmar, Guard, UCLA
27. Phoenix Suns Sergio Rodriguez, Guard, Spain (to Portland)
28. Dallas Mavericks Maurice Ager, Guard, Michigan State
29. NY Knicks Mardy Collins, Guard, Temple
30. Portland TrailBlazers Joel Freeland, Forward, United Kingdom



2nd ROUND

31. Portland Trail Blazers James White, Guard, Cincinnati (to Indiana)
32. Houston Rockets Steve Novak, Forward, Marquette
33. Atlanta Hawks Solomon Jones, Foward, South Florida
34. Los Angeles Clippers Paul Davis, Center, Michigan State
35. Toronto Raptors P.J. Tucker, Forward, Texas
36. Minnesota Timberwolves Craig Smith, Forward, Boston College
37. Minnesota Timberwolves Bobby Jones, Forward, Washington (to Philadelphia)
38. Golden State Warriors Kosta Perovic, Forward, Croatia
39. Milwaukee Bucks David Noel, Forward, North Carolina
40. Seattle Supersonics Denham Brown, Guard, Connecticut
41. Orlando Magic James Augustine, Forward, Illinois
42. Cleveland Cavaliers Daniel Gibson, Guard, Texas
43. NOOCH Marcus Vinicius, Forward, Brazil
44. Orlando Magic Lior Eliyahu, Forward, Israel (to Houston)
45. Indiana Pacers Alexander Johnson, Forward, Florida State (to Memphis via Portland)
46. Utah Jazz Dee Brown, Guard, Illinois
47. Utah Jazz Paul Millsap, Forward, Louisiana Tech
48. Washington Wizards Vladimir Veremeenko, Forward, Belarus
49. Denver Nuggets Leon Powe, Forward, California (to Boston)
50. Charlotte Bobcats Ryan Hollins, Center, UCLA
51. Los Angeles Lakers Cheick Samb, Center, Senegal (to Detroit)
52. Los Angeles Clippers Guillermo Diaz, Guard, Miami
53. Seattle SuperSonics Yotam Halperin, Guard, Israel
54. New Jersey Nets Hassan Adams, Guard, Arizona
55. Cleveland Cavaliers Ejike Ugboaja, Forward, Nigeria
56. Toronto Raptors Edin Bavcic, Forward, Bosnia (to Philadelphia)
57. Minnesota Timberwolves Loukas Mavrokefalidis, Center, Greece
58. Dallas Mavericks J.R. Pinnock, Guard, George Washington (to L.A. Lakers)
59. San Antonio Spurs Damir Markota, Forward, Croatia (to Milwaukee)
60. Detroit Pistons Will Blalock, Guard, Iowa State


6/29/2006 11:58:00 AM | |

Tuesday, June 27, 2006 

drumroll....

The activity of the Raptors (getting rid of a young center and trading for a seasoned vet that Sam Mitchell once coached back in Minnesota) may have served as a cushion for any future pick. Acquiring Nesterovic from San Antonio is a statement from Colangelo that Bosh is an illegitamate "C", who can't quite hang with the big boys just yet but should be able to overpower most "PF's".

Leaving the upcoming first pick and last year's (Villanueva) hanging on a thread depending on the season that the two will have ...one year to make or to break because there will be only room for one of them on the bench at the end of the year.

All this depends on how fast Toronto decides to run with Bargnani (because of the Gherardini connection) or Aldridge (because of the Bosh connection). If they don't and decide to go with a solid backcourt player Gay, or a quirky/spunky/energetic /shooting half-stache half-machine Morrison, or a not quite convinced point guard Marcus Williams. It may also show whether Colangelo thinks the team has enough toughness in going for a defensive grinder in Thomas and whether he witnessed what actually won the championship for the Heat when they decided to push around a bit... character players.

Stay tuned cause so far Colangelo has only said that they will be holding onto the pick

with one day away make sure to visit HoopsAddict.com for some of the latest pre draft notes

6/27/2006 11:17:00 PM | |

 

blogosphere update

In one of the better Carnivals in a long time CelticsBlog.com has Carnival #31 (draft version)

6/27/2006 10:18:00 AM | |

Thursday, June 22, 2006 

Knicks relieved to relieve Brown

Isiah Thomas will be replacing Larry Brown on the bench as the New York Knicks have fired the coach after one season into his 5 year deal $50 million deal. Sources to the New York Daily News are reporting that David Stern and the NBA will be looked to arbitrate the compensation headed his way.

Thomas said:

"I strongly believe we are on the right track
to take major steps in our rebuilding process to
achieve our goal of being one of the premier
teams in the NBA. Larry Brown is a great coach,
but for various reasons, bringing him to the Knicks
did not turn out the way we had hoped "


The fingernails of Knicks fans must be in worse shape than Lebron's now that Isiah Thomas has even more responsibilities as he looks to lead a team of undersized guards and underachieving forwards to a better record than last season (which souldn't be too difficult) and hopefully make the playoffs.

The only question that remains is will Larry Brown be coaching this year? If he has any amount of pride left the motivation should be more than enough and the answer should be yes but with the compensation headed his way the need to coach may cloud any decision he may take now that his reputation has been seriously tarnished by his time spent in New York.






Rumors are already swirling of having Larry Brown joining Michael Jordan with the Charlotte Bobcats

FatherKnickerBocker has two scenarios for the 2006-2007 season

the best article I have read so far on this subject belongs to the NYTimes' Howard Beck who goes on essentially to state that the fact Isiah Thomas still believes in the players that he has assembled through trades, the draft, or signings at least have his loyalty for now (until their first losing streak anyways) and Zeke had better assemble a top notch assistant coaching staff to surround him. Because the small athletic team that he has inherited is the following the trend of up-tempo teams "with with lots of offense and minimal defense".

6/22/2006 11:29:00 AM | |

Wednesday, June 21, 2006 

Colangelo pulls a "Red Rocket" out of his pocket for Rasho

Well Bryan Colangelo is not wasting his time in Toronto (too hasty???) after waiving Whaley he has traded Matt Bonner (fan favorite), Eric Williams and a 2009 2nd round pick for San Antonio's 30 year old 7' center Rasho Nesterovic.


So basically, this move dictates what the Raptors were expecting from Rafael Araujo and at the same time have bulked up (Humphries for Bonner and his 42% 3pt shooting)) while losing Eric Williams' contract. But if Colangelo expects more from Nesterovic, ("a guy that can play without necessarily needing the ball") then this move may dictate the selection they will make in the upcoming draft. But Colangelo is still confused on who he will select saying only that the #1 pick is a project:



  • Brett at the Association finds that Avery Johnson did a lousy coaching job in the Finals

6/21/2006 10:20:00 PM | |

 

"15 STRONG"

Now that the Finals are over the content of the Riley punch bowl have been revealed. The "wiley" Riley motivational tool:


"thousands upon thousands of small pieces of paper,
each about the size of a baseball card, bearing
the words "15 Strong" on one side. On the other side of each
card was a different message, depending on the player who put it there"



Charley Rosen has his heroes and goats of game six and series

Bill Simmons must read mockery of Miami's Batman and Robin





The parallels between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Miami Heat are inevitable.

We have two teams:

  • that have won their respective championships for the first time in their franchise's history
  • that have a young emerging superstar in the making (Wade & Staal)
  • that have a lineup loaded with championship starving veteran talent assembled through free agency or via the trade route
  • that have extended their season way too late into the year (but that is another story)

Most of all what ties the two together is the hunger to win that surfaced from within the two clubs and climaxed in the end







Congratulations
to
Miami Heat
&
Carolina Hurricanes

6/21/2006 03:39:00 PM | |

Tuesday, June 20, 2006 

Shaq is proud of Wade

picture this:

Jason Terry does his best Rip Hamilton imitation but the Heat have seen it before

The Antoine Walker "shimmy" is distracting

Marquis Daniels is a defensive liability but displays yet again his offensive prowess

All this talk about Shaq's place among the "legends" (sits on bench 'cause he 's in foul trouble) and Zo shows up and plays the way he plays at home after blocking Payton's mistake (actually turned and started berating official on the sidelines) and Zo finishes the behind the back Jason Wiliams' pass on the fast break with one handed monster step slam

Dell Harris is blasting away on the bench so Wade drives and drops a two+1...turns to his right and "STRUTS" in front of the Dallas bench and only Stack had grin (cause he saw "it" in his eyes) as he walked by...

Stack answers and "baits" Haslem on a "HUGE BLOCK" that we will definitely be seeing highlights of down the road (cause he's seen "it" too---but that was long ago)

Posey nails a three... the Miami Heat never relinquish the lead despite a controversial non-call on Jason Terry's more than decent look at the basket

the "desperate" Nowitzki misses yet another jumper for the tame and almost gentleman-like Cuban caught looking on (brain racing of course you can almost hear it)



It ends...



Shaq is proud of Wade






The Dribble's MVP: Hubie Brown








6/20/2006 11:09:00 PM | |

Friday, June 16, 2006 

thursday's quotes

Mark Cuban on Michael Jordan becoming part owner of the Charlotte Bobcats:

"Welcome to my world, Michael," he said. "Get out the checkbook"


Shaq on the "hard" foul from Jerry Stackhouse in game four:

"My daughters tackle me harder when I come home," he said.
"I'm one of the last players from the old school,
you just have to take a hard foul like that and keep on moving.
It actually felt pretty good to get hit like that.
Thank you, Jerry. Appreciate it"


6/16/2006 01:10:00 PM | |

Thursday, June 15, 2006 

this year's Snakes and Ladders

"Stocks" is an appropriate word when talking about draft prospects and their expected positioning on draft day. With so much money thrown around to these kids who have yet to play a game in the Association and whose agents control their every move (whether they do solo or team workouts) the return on investments vary according to the "experts" mock drafts.

Lowpost.net/blog charts from 2001-2005 the rise and slides

Celticsblog.com covers the draft picks slips from the C's perspective

82games.com goes euro for us with their european prospects scouting (compares Bargnani not to Nowitzki but rather Detlef Schrempf)

RaptorsHQ.com does their mock draft

Matt at BlogaBull.com should be locked up soon and let out after draft has passed (for his own safety of course)

Dick Vitale has (already) chosen next year's candidates for rookie of the year see here

Nate at Jonesonthenba.blogspot.com is sold on Kareem Rush's return somewhere soon

Raptors are playing American Idol and start their call-backs

the Pacers' Jermaine O'Neal is getting jittery with all the trade talk surrounding him and "vows a career year"

Antoine Walker (aka journeyman) is convinced that Paul "the Truth" Pierce must "move on" to succeed

6/15/2006 01:29:00 PM | |

 

Draft tradewinds

Most of the talk surrounding the impending JUne 28th draft (besides the question of who will be the number one pick) has been who will have the "cojones" to move up or down via a trade when selection time comes around.

Usually teams that already have a young nucleus will look to make a move down with the hopes of adding some veteran talent to round out the roster. Apparently, Toronto has not negated the possibility of exchanging the number one pick in a package for immediate help. While Utah, Portland, Golden State, Philadelphia, NOK Hornets, Memphis, Houston and even Orlando are willing to move up.

Looking at players who might be available
  • Brevin Knight-Charlotte
  • Carlos Boozer-Utah
  • Troy Murphy-Golden State
  • Samuel Dalembert-Philadelphia
  • Maurice Williams-Milwaukee
  • Brendan Haywood-Washington

6/15/2006 11:44:00 AM | |

Wednesday, June 14, 2006 

Draft candidates scouting reports galore

Scouting reports for the upcoming draft.



  • NBA Draft Bio-Thabo Sefolosha : 6'6 215lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Sefolosha was a virtual unknown in the NBA community until recently. His play over this last season, averaging 12 points and seven rebounds per game in the Italian League, has teams looking into the Swiss swingman as a possible second-round addition. Sefolosha is an athletic two-guard that likes to get out in transition and create on the break. He is a deadly standstill shooter, with the ability to hit from long-range, connecting on 41.5 percent of his 3-point shots this season. He has also shown flashes of being able to take over games, dropping 26 points and nine rebounds in an 84-82 victory over a Livorno team that sports former college stars Luke Recker, Paul McPherson and Chevon Troutman. Although those names are not what most NBA dreams are made of, games like that show that Sefolosha can play at a high level against good competition. He will have to fine-tune several facets of his game to excel at the next level. Sefolosha tends to let his natural athletic ability gain an advantage on both ends of the court. Unfortunately for him, just about every NBA guard has equal or greater athleticism and this advantage will be negated. While he has shot over 50 percent from the floor, Sefolosha is not a good shooter on the move and needs to learn to create and shoot off the dribble. If he keeps his name in, Sefolosha could be asked to spend another year or two refining his game overseas before landing on an NBA roster.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Rudy Fernandez: 6'5 180lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Fernandez has been on the cusp of entering his name into the last two drafts, pulling out last year after not receiving a first-round guarantee. Fernandez may go through the same song and dance this year with regard to whether he is in or out. While this may upset some NBA executives, his talent warrants consideration by all teams, perhaps even in the first round. Fernandez is an above-average athlete with the ability to play both guard positions. His reluctance to capitalize on that ability is baffling to some, as he insists on playing only shooting guard. Playing on the "two" would make Fernandez a borderline talent, but as a combo guard that can contribute at both positions, he would jump to the first round. Averaging almost 15 points per game, Fernandez has the ability to stroke the three or take his man off the dribble to finish at the rim. His slight frame makes him an injury risk, needing to add about 15-20 pounds to his 185-pound body. Not afraid to back down on either end of the court, some are reminded of lesser version of Manu Ginobli when watching Fernandez in action. He may not receive his first-round guarantee this time around either, but the window of opportunity is closing fast on Fernandez's draft prospects. With his reluctance to play the point, he may not be able to reach first-round status.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Dee Brown: 6'0 185lb

COUTING REPORT: Shooting 36 percent from the floor his senior season is not the way Brown wanted to end his college career and it will have a negative impact on his draft status. He declared for the 2005 NBA Draft, but withdrew after breaking his foot at the Chicago pre-draft camp. On the bright side, Brown had a chance to prove his critics wrong. With former backcourt teammates Luther Head and Deron Williams in the NBA, Brown had an opportunity to prove that he could indeed play point guard. Although he averaged 5.8 assists last season, he struggled with his shot as defenses focused on him more than ever because Illinois had a far less talented team. After shooting 50 percent from the floor and 43 percent from 3-point range his junior year when he helped lead Illinois to the NCAA championship game, Brown's stock had risen despite the never-ending worries about how tall he really is. But his dismal shooting his senior season, including 32 percent on 3-point attempts, only raised more doubts about him. However, there are some intangibles to Brown's game that still are very intriguing, mainly the blinding speed he possesses. Often called a one-man fastbreak, Brown has a remarkable ability to shoot, pass and dribble quite accurately even when flying down the court. When his shot is falling, he is extremely dangerous because his quickness and ability to go the basket have to be respected. He averaged 14.3 points per game his senior season. Although Brown's decision-making skills as a point guard are in question, he does have the leadership and vocal qualities to make a good floor leader. He may struggle guarding taller guards, but it will not be for lack of effort. Offensive players have to be careful when handling the ball against Brown, because he is an irritating defender averaging 1.7 steals per game in his college career. Although short, Brown is strong and his lateral quickness makes him a sound defender. Brown's first-round draft dreams have been dashed, but there are small guys in the NBA succeeding like Nate Robinson and Earl Boykins. Brown's explosive quickness will give him a chance of having his name called late in the second round on draft day.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Cedric Bozeman: 6'6 207lb

SCOUTING REPORT: UCLA's starting point guard for three seasons, Bozeman tore his ACL before the start of the 2004-2005 campaign. Red-shirting that year, he returned to play his final season helping the Bruins make it to the championship game before losing to Florida in 2006. Bozeman never achieved the success predicted for him at UCLA, but he did finish in the top 10 in school history in assists with 386. In the beginning of the 2005-2006 season, Bozeman got off to a good start playing both point guard and shooting guard and scoring in double digits in the first seven games of the season. As the season wore on, however, he was shifted into the background as sophomores Jordan Farmar and Arron Afflalo shined in the Bruins backcourt. After the first seven games, Bozeman only scored in double digits three times the rest of the season. Bozeman was not much of a scorer at UCLA, where his 7.6 points per game as a senior were the highest of his career. He did do a decent job of getting the ball to his teammates, especially as a junior when he led the Pac-10 in assists with 5.5 a game. Bozeman is a good ball-handler, but other than that he is not especially skilled in any one area. Although he has good height for the point guard position, he is not very quick and has trouble guarding quicker, smaller point guards. In 2000-2001, he was considered one of the top high school players in the nation, but that promise was never fulfilled.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Carl Krauser: 6'2 200lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Krauser is a fiery player and strong leader who has a great makeup for a point guard. He is a physically strong player and uses that to his advantage, because he likes to barrel to the lane for shot opportunities. Krauser is a good passer who can make flashy passes, but he has a shoot-first mentality at times. His career high in assists came as a junior when he averaged 5.9. As a senior, that dipped to 4.8. After playing under 20 minutes a game as a freshman, he exploded into Pittsburgh's starting lineup as a sophomore, averaging 15.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game and was named the 2003-2004 Big East Most Improved Player. Some scouts wonder if Krauser has any upside left considering he will be 25 by draft night. He is an excellent ball-handler who can break people down off the dribble with his quickness. Although he has basketball quickness, he is not a great athlete in terms of speed or leaping ability. Krauser can be a tenacious on-the-ball defender and has a penchant for roaming the passing lanes for steals, averaging 1.5 per game in his career. Although he has the ability to connect from 3-point range, he is not a consistent outside shooter. His shooting percentage dropped to 40 percent his senior year and he shot 37 percent from 3-point range. His best shooting season was when he shot 44 percent as a freshman playing limited minutes. As a senior, he averaged 15 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Krauser may be a step slow for the NBA, and his age concerns many scouts. He has the ball-handling and passing skills necessary for a point guard, but his shooting and decision-making at times are major question marks.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Maurice Ager: 6'5 202

SCOUTING REPORT: The season-opening Maui Invitational was a major coming-out party for Ager, as he wowed NBA scouts by showing them that there is a lot more to his game than just being able to jump out of the gym. Ager effortlessly drove to the basket, consistently knocked down 3-pointers and played stifling defense. Some of his numbers from the three-game tournament were impressive, as he averaged 26.3 points and 1.7 blocks per game. He also shot 49 percent from the floor and 48 percent on 3-pointers. After his Maui performance, Ager was no longer considered a marginal NBA prospect. Although inconsistent at times, he has the tools that will get him selected in the mid-to-late first round. His biggest asset is his explosive, above-the-rim finishing ability. He can also light it up from 3-point range, but he forces his shot sometimes. He improved his scoring average from 14.3 points per game his junior year to 19.3 his senior campaign. Ager also averaged 4.1 rebounds a game and 2.5 assists as a senior. He shot 46 percent from the floor and 38 percent from 3-point range. He can create his own shot pretty easily, but he can also be his own worst enemy. Sometimes he puts his head down with the sole purpose to go to the basket no matter what, and that hampers his passing ability and court vision. Although Ager is a good dribbler, he needs to work on going to his left to make his game less predictable. Scouts say he's closer to 6-foot-4 and that he's a bit undersized for a two-guard, but he can use his long wingspan and athleticism to make up for that. He is a capable rebounder despite his height. His long arms and above average foot speed make him a disruptive defender at times, but he doesn't collect a lot of steals. Ager improved each year at Michigan State and is known for his solid work ethic. Because he responds well to coaching and works hard at his game, his play should only improve at the NBA level. The athleticism he has can not be taught, and if he can ever add some patience to his game and hit jumpers more consistently, look out.

  • NBA Draft Bio-J.J. Redick: 6'4 190lb

SCOUTING REPORT: You can count on one hand -- or maybe a couple of fingers -- the number of players who can shoot like Redick. He was second in the country in scoring as a senior (26.8 points per game), behind only Gonzaga's Adam Morrison. Sporting a nearly flawless shooting stroke, Redick shot 47 percent from the floor as a senior, bettering his previous collegiate high of 42 percent. Redick's unlimited shooting range allowed him to knock down 139 3-pointers last season, including nine in a game against Texas. He also exploded for three 40-point games. Deadly when left open or coming off a screen, Redick's shooting ability obviously is not in question. What is in question is whether he is quick and athletic enough to get his shot off in the NBA. Duke's 2006 season ended in the Sweet Sixteen with a loss to LSU, where Redick was thoroughly frustrated by an athletic backcourt and shot 3-for-18 in a performance that some scouts think is an indication of the struggles Redick might face in the NBA. Another question mark with Redick is his lack of lateral quickness and potential problems he may face playing defense at the next level. Despite legitimate concerns about what Redick can't do, what he does shooting the ball will still keep him from falling past the first 20 selections. Besides scoring, Redick's other stats will not impress. He averaged a measly two rebounds a game last season. He may not be a star at the next level, but he should be able to fashion a solid career as a designated shooter, especially on a team with low post threats who can kick the ball out to him. Redick has worked hard on diversifying his game by taking the ball to the basket more, and he always seems to be endlessly working to get open for shots. Another Redick strength is his free-throw shooting. As a senior, he shot 92 percent from the foul line after connecting on an amazing 95 percent of his free throws his junior year.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Randy Foye: 6'4 205lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Foye is without a doubt a solid scorer, leading Villanova in scoring at 20.5 points per game his senior campaign and finishing second in the Big East in scoring. His scoring numbers rose incrementally every year in college, as he averaged 10.3 points per game as a freshman, 13.5 as a sophomore and 15.5 as a junior. A physical player with an explosive first step, Foye has shown the ability to take the ball hard to the hoop with no fear. Sometimes this aggressiveness leads him to foul trouble, but his physical style makes him the potential lottery pick he is. Because of his 6-foot-4 stature, Foye and other players his size who play shooting guard in college are always questioned if they can play the point guard position at the next level. Foye is not a natural point guard in regards to his court leadership or his average passing ability, but he handles the ball well enough to be able to play the point in the NBA. Another strength of Foye's is his rebounding ability. His rugged style of play allowed him to average five rebounds a game as a junior and 5.8 as a senior. Foye is also a scrappy defender, averaging 2.1 steals a game his junior year and 1.4 a game last season. The facet of Foye's game that needs the most work is his outside shot. Foye shot 41 percent from the floor his senior season, down from the 42 percent he shot as a junior. He is the type of player that needs a lot of shots to score a lot of points, as evidenced by his 2006 NCAA tournament. On Villanova's run to the Elite Eight, Foye averaged 23.8 points during the tournament. However, he only shot 39 percent from the field, connecting on 31 of 80 shots. The 3-pointer is not yet a consistent weapon for Foye, as he shot just 30 percent from behind the arc his junior and senior seasons. Although his outside shot and size are problematic, Foye's hard-charging style will make him a fan favorite in the NBA and a pest for opposing teams to play. Being the aggressive, hard-working player he is, expect his outside shot to improve to the point that he becomes a solid contributor for many years in the NBA.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Allan Ray: 6'2 205lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Creating his own shot is something that Ray is outstanding at. His ability to create and his shooting range helped him score 2,025 points in his college career, including a career-high 18.5 points a game his senior year. Although he definitely has 3-point range, he is not a great shooter, merely a good one at times. Ray shot a disappointing 39 percent from the floor his senior year and showed the inconsistency that can plague him in the 2006 NCAA Tournament. After suffering a hideous eye injury in the Big East tournament that was not as severe as it looked, Ray scored 25 points with four 3-pointers in a first-round NCAA game against Arizona. He then proceeded to shoot 8-of-34 in games against Boston College and eventual champion Florida. Although he is an explosive leaper with great finishing ability, Ray has been tagged with the dreaded "undersized" label. He is also not a physically strong player and figures to be exploited at the next level defensively, even though he has quick feet. He can handle the ball well but has not shown an innate ability to distribute the ball. Because of his exceptional ability to get to the basket, Ray is able to get to the foul line with regularity and take advantage, considering he shot 89 percent from the line as a senior and 82 percent for his college career. Ray is not a solid rebounder or passer, but his ability to create his own offense either through his jumper or drives will help him get selected in the second round.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Brandon Roy: 6'6 210lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Going into his senior season, Roy was considered to be a second-round pick. After a stellar season and impressive play in the 2006 NCAA tournament, he now finds himself in the same sentence as the word "lottery". Roy had his best season statistically as a senior, averaging 20.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists a game, and clearly showing scouts that it is hard to find a more complete guard in this year's draft. While not being a jaw-dropping athletic specimen, Roy has an uncanny knack to take defenders off the dribble any time he pleases, although that won't be as easy at the NBA level. Roy is a good ball-handler who plays with an air of patience that allows him to seldom force bad shots or make bad decisions with the ball. The major weakness in Roy's game has always been his outside shot, but his mid-range game is quite developed. Roy worked hard to dispel the notion that his outside game is weak by improving his 3-point shooting percentage to 40 percent last season. Roy's shooting percentages speak to his well-rounded game. As a senior, he shot 51 percent from the floor and 81 percent from the free-throw line, when he averaged about 32 minutes per game. But that was nothing compared to the 57 percent he shot from the floor as a junior, when he averaged close to 24 minutes per game. In the 2006 NCAA tournament, Roy continued to wow scouts with his versatility. In a first-round game against Utah State, Roy was 11-of-19 from the floor en route to 28 points to go along with four 3-pointers, five assists and three steals. In a second-round win over Illinois, Roy showed he doesn't have to take a lot of shots to be highly effective. He scored 21 points, was 5-of-11 from the floor, 11-of-14 from the line, and had seven rebounds and three steals. Although he has the ability to guard multiple positions, Roy lacks tremendous size and doesn't have great foot speed, but he is more than willing to defend with maximum effort. There are many positives to Roy's game, and he has clearly showed everyone that he can stuff stat sheets.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Jose Juan Barea: 6'0 170lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Talk about making an impression. Barea was named the MVP of the pre-draft Portsmouth Invitational Tournament after setting records for total assists (41) and assists in a single game (18). In three games, Barea averaged 14 points, 5.7 rebounds and 13.7 assists. His playmaking and speed wowed scouts, but he also greatly impressed them by only turning the ball over five times. He did not shoot well at Portsmouth (42 percent), which is a constant problem for him, but he clearly opened up a lot of eyes. Playing at Northeastern, Barea did not play the best competition in college. That made his 32 percent career 3-point shooting percentage and the 4.7 turnovers per game he committed his senior season particularly disturbing. But there is no doubt Barea can flat-out play. He averaged over 20 points a game in each of the last three seasons of his college career and averaged 8.4 assists his senior year. He has the speed and ball-handling ability to get anywhere he wants on the floor and can score in bunches. Last season, Barea scored 26 or more points in a game eight times. Shooting is obviously Barea's greatest weakness. He shot 40 percent from the floor his college career. Another concern is his height, but with so many small guards like Chris Paul and T.J. Ford succeeding, NBA executives are becoming more comfortable with smaller guards. Barea has a chance to sneak into the first round if he can knock down some jumpers in the team workouts he is invited to.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Hassan Adams: 6'4 220lb

If the draft were based on picking the top athletes only, Adams would probably be a lottery pick. But there is more to being an NBA player than just being a good athlete. Adams is a physical player that goes hard to the basket and is creative enough when he gets there to score in a variety of ways, including an assortment of acrobatic dunks. When his mindset is right, he is a high percentage shooter. He shot 48 percent from the floor as a senior, which was his collegiate low. As a sophomore, Adams shot 54 percent. Adams averaged 17.5 points per game last season, but that could have probably been a little higher if he did not take ill-timed 3-pointers. Adams shot a mere 26 percent on his 65 3-point attempts last season. Adams would benefit greatly with a consistent jumper. Teams would have to play off him a little because of his explosive first step. In the NBA, he is a bit undersized for a shooting guard, but he can make up for that due to his strong rebounding ability. He had eight or more rebounds in a game seven times as a senior. Adams averaged five rebounds a game as a senior and 7.3 as a sophomore. For some reason, his free-throw shooting took a dive his senior year, plummeting to 61 percent. His previous collegiate low was 71 percent as a junior. Adams' defense improved each year at Arizona, and he is an aggressive defender with long arms. As a senior, he averaged 2.6 steals per game, and he is not afraid of contact at the offensive or defensive end. As a sophomore, he averaged 1.5 blocks per game. Not many players can outleap Adams. Adams is likely to fall to the second round because of his erratic play and streaky outside shooting. He thrives in the open floor but appears terribly impatient when the game slows down, and that is when he seems to make many mental errors.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Justin Gray: 6'4 194lb

SCOUTING REPORT: With Chris Paul in the NBA, Gray moved from shooting to point guard for his senior season with mixed results. Gray averaged a career-high 18.2 points per game, but had his worst shooting season at 37 percent. He seemed to struggle finding a balance between getting his teammates involved and knowing when to shoot. Wake Forest struggled this past season to a disappointing 17-17 record and a first-round loss in the NIT. Gray is a streaky scorer capable of big numbers in any given game, but he is not a good shooter. Gray is an aggressive offensive player who attacks defenders and takes the ball strong to the basket. Although he can make 3-pointers, his shot selection is spotty. He averaged almost eight 3-point attempts as a senior, but only converted on 36 percent. It seemed the extra burden of playing point guard had a direct impact on his shooting. As a junior, when he played shooting guard across from Paul, he shot 41 percent from 3-point range. Gray scored points from the day he stepped on the court at Wake Forest, as he averaged 12.7 points as a freshman, 17.0 as a sophomore and 16.0 as a junior. Last season, he scored a career-high 37 points against an always stingy Wisconsin defense. But his other stats are not staggering. He is not a great passer and averaged 4.3 assists as a senior with only one game in double-digit assists. Although he is an extremely hard-nosed player who broke his nose as a sophomore and played through it, he lacks NBA point guard skills. Gray is just an average athlete, and he did not have a good showing at the pre-draft Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. In two games, Gray averaged 9.5 points, shot 32 percent from the floor -- including 2-of-12 from 3-point range -- and averaged five assists. He did not do anything to improve his already shaky draft status.


  • NBA Draft Bio-C.J. Watson: 6'2 176lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Watson is one of three players in Tennessee history to compile 1,000 points (1,424) and 400 assists (577) along with Allan Houston and Tony Harris. Watson was a key component in Tennessee's surprising 22-8 record this season, capping a career in which he started 118 of 119 contests. Watson had his best season as a senior, setting career highs in shooting percentage (47 percent), free-throw percentage (88 percent), 3-point shooting percentage (42 percent), points (15.3 per game) and steals (2.0 per game). Although he is a decent passer and good enough ball-handler, Watson does not play like a pure point guard. He is a scorer at heart, posting double-figures in 28 of the Volunteers' 30 games this season. He sometimes has a shoot-first mentality and is not a creative player in terms of getting his teammates involved. Watson rarely penetrates the lane, and his assists dropped to 3.9 his senior season after averaging five or more in each of his first three college seasons. Trying to increase his draft stock, Watson was named to the All-Portsmouth Third Team at the pre-draft Portsmouth Invitational, where he averaged 16.3 points per game, shot 57 percent from the floor and made five-of-seven 3-pointers. Watson does not turn the ball over a lot and is a heady player on the break, but he needs to learn how to play the point guard position with a pass-first emphasis. For his career, Watson shot just over 43 percent from the floor, however he hit almost 40 percent of his shots from behind the arc. While his shot has improved, it's still unknown how consistent a shooter he can be.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Marcus Williams: 6'3 205lb

SCOUTING REPORT: It would be an understatement to say that Williams had a rough beginning to his junior season. After being suspended for the first semester after stealing laptops from a dormitory, Connecticut lost its first game of the season to Marquette in his first game back. Once the dust cleared on the theft, Williams enjoyed his best season with the Huskies. After finishing third in the nation in assists per game as a sophomore with 7.8, Williams went on to lead the nation with 8.6 during his junior year. Williams had eight games of 10 or more helpers and dished out at least five assists in each of his 23 games this past season and 39 of his last 40 games at Connecticut. Considered by some as the best point guard in the draft, Williams had no problem taking over a game if the need arose. He only had three games as a junior where he scored more than 20 points -- all three in the NCAA tournament. Although Connecticut was shocked by George Mason in the Elite Eight, Williams showed that he was one of the keys to the team's success. Averaging 20 points per game, he also shot an astounding 10-for-18 from behind the arc and connected on 22-of-23 from the free-throw line during the team's four games in the tournament. Williams will need to work on taking care of the ball at the next level however. He committed 3.7 turnovers per game as a junior, third highest in the Big East. Williams certainly has the size, quickness and ability to play at the next level. He more than held his own against other top college point guards, and he is ready to take it to the next level. Even though he has a couple of strikes against him character-wise (he also failed to qualify academically as a freshman in addition to the laptop scandal), Williams could be taken in the top 10 on draft night; not falling far out of the lottery if he slips.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Curtis Stinson: 6'3 215lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Stinson burst onto the scene as a freshman, leading a young Iowa State team in scoring averaging just over 16 points per game. He has since increased his average each of the last two seasons, scoring 19.4 points per contest as a junior last year, good for third in the Big 12. He was able to score in double figures in 28 of Iowa State's 30 games this past season and in 84 of his 94 career games. Stinson's abilities were not limited to just scoring, as he put up solid stats across the board. His 5.5 assists per game also was good for third in the conference. Standing only 6-foot-3, Stinson was a solid contributor on the boards as well, grabbing just over five rebounds per contest. Stinson recorded just the third triple-double in Cyclone history in a 96-79 victory over Colorado. Even though Stinson was able to seemingly score at will, his shot leaves a lot to be desired. Preferring to back smaller point guards into the post, Stinson's range is extremely limited. Though he improved to 33.9 percent from behind the arc as a junior, Stinson connected on barely 30 percent of his attempts throughout his three years. In order to excel as a point guard at the next level, Stinson will have to work on his decision-making, as he averaged 3.5 turnovers per game at Iowa State, including nine games with five or more turnovers this past season alone. Stinson will have to learn to get his teammates involved first at the next level as well. He has a tendency to become a shoot-first, -second and -third player, best evidenced by a 6-for-28 display in a 10-point loss to Nebraska. With a solid set of pre-draft workouts, Stinson could work his way into the late first round with the potential of being a poor-man's Chauncey Billups at the next level.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Mardy Collins: 6'6 205lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Not many players start every game in their college careers, or even stay in college long enough to accomplish such a feat. But Collins is one of the few who has, and he had no problems playing heavy minutes -- 37.2 as senior and a whopping 39.2 as a sophomore. A fluid player who is fundamentally sound, Collins is a coach's dream in that he simply gets the job done in a workmanlike fashion and does not commit a lot of turnovers. Collins is not a big-time scorer, as he averaged 16.8 points per game as a senior and a slightly better than 17.5 points per game as a junior. To be fair, the plodding Temple offensive system doesn't help offensive numbers and many hurried shots are taken with the shot clock winding down. Collins did shoot his highest percentage as a senior at 43 percent, and his percentage rose every season. He also has good elevation on his shot and a smooth release that could allow him to improve in the future as a shooter. With a keen understanding of how to play as a point guard, Collins knows precisely how to run halfcourt sets, and he uses his height to help him make the passes he needs to. While not a flashy playmaker, Collins is an above average ball handler with an array of hesitation dribbles. He utilizes his long arms to play the passing lanes well, as his 2.8 steals a game in his junior and senior seasons can attest to. Temple never seems to have great shooters, which would explain Collins' four assists a game last season. While he does not possess a great first step, he is a crafty player who is capable of creating his own shot. Free-throw shooting is a concern with Collins. As a senior, he only shot 60 percent from the line. Although Collins' athletic ability is nothing to shout about, he should be an effective role player in the NBA because he is an unselfish player who cares more about winning than personal glory. In the beginning of his career, he would appear to be an ideal NBA backup point guard, which should land him in the mid- to late first round.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Taquan Dean: 6'3 185lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Shooting ability is both a positive and a negative for Dean. He has a beautiful jumper that he gets great extension on to go along with a quick release. Because of the great lift he gets on his shot, he can shoot over most defenders despite not being that tall. The negative aspect of Dean's shot is that he does not always seem to know what a good shot is and gets happy from 3-point range, taking ill-advised shots. Because at times his shot can be so potent, Dean, a 40-percent 3-point shooter in college, seems to neglect other parts of his game like going to the basket. Dean did not shoot well as a senior, shooting an abysmal 39 percent from the floor, the second-worst shooting season of his college career. He did miss most of five games with an ankle injury that affected him longer than that. Dean did average a career and team-high 17.1 points a game as a senior. Last season, Dean made four or more 3-pointers in 13 of 29 games. He handles the ball well, but he does not possess an explosive first step. He has not shown the ability to consistently beat players off the dribble. Because of his height, he will have to play some point guard in the pros, but some scouts doubt he is up to the task. In order for him to succeed in the NBA, his shot would have to become truer, so he could function as a Ben Gordon-type -- a short guard capable of spending most of his time at the shooting guard position because of his offense. For his size, Dean is an excellent rebounder, averaging 5.6 a game last season. He has the strength and quickness to defend at the NBA level. His ability to play the point will dictate if he is ever able to play for an extended period in the NBA. After a less-than-stellar senior season, Dean's chances of getting drafted in the second round are fading.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Quincy Douby: 6'3 175lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Scoring is not an issue for Douby. After leading the Big East in scoring as a junior at 24 points per game, Douby decided to enter the NBA draft. He did not hire an agent in case he decides to return to school. There are a lot of things offensively Douby can do. He has tremendous shooting range and can create his own shot quite easily. Douby shot a respectable 46-percent from the floor as a junior, including hitting 40 percent of his 3-point shots. He really opened scouts' eyes last season when he scored 41 points, including nine 3s against Syracuse. Douby had eight 30-point games his junior year. He has a smooth release on his jumper and is an excellent free-throw shooter (85 percent last season). He also averaged 4.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists last year. His scoring average shot up from 15.1 points per game as a sophomore to 25.4 as a junior. When he is hot, he can really fill it up from the outside. He is also a very capable ball-handler, which he needed dearly at Rutgers where he faced many double- and triple-teams because of a lack of a supporting cast. Size and strength are weaknesses for Douby. He's only 6-foot-3 and many scouts doubt his ability to play the point and run a team. Defensively, bigger guards will be able to physically overmatch him. However, Douby does aggressively defend and gives maximum effort. His scoring ability and polished offensive game makes him a borderline first-round pick.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Ronnie Brewer: 6'7 217lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Following in the footsteps of his father of the same name in attending Arkansas, Brewer spent three seasons with the Razorbacks. After averaging 15.7 points per game in college, Ronnie hopes to emulate his father in the NBA, where the elder Brewer enjoyed a productive eight-year career. The younger Brewer's value is in his versatility, as he can play three positions, including the point guard spot. He is an above-average defender who excels at getting in the passing lanes on the perimeter. Brewer's 2.6 steals per game topped the SEC and was good for 20th in the nation. Offensively, his strength is getting to the basket off the dribble and finishing at the rim. Brewer raised his scoring average each of his three seasons, culminating in 2005-06 when he averaged 18.4 points. His outside shot needs work, though he has improved it. Brewer shot better than 35 percent from 3-point range in his last two seasons combined, up from 26.6 as a freshman. A childhood accident left Brewer without the ability to fully extend his right arm, making for an awkward shooting motion that can't be corrected. Brewer could be able to contribute immediately off the bench in the NBA as a high-energy player on both sides of the ball. His long arms and quickness should be major assets.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Guillermo Diaz: 6'2 192lb

SCOUTING REPORT: A volleyball star before switching to basketball his senior season of high school, Diaz, an early entrant after three seasons at Miami, is one of the most explosive athletes in the draft. Rumored to have a 50-inch vertical jump that actually has been measured at 41 inches, Diaz is very fast and uses his speed to score from all over the court as he averaged 18.6 points per game as a sophomore and 17.2 last season. As he has gained experience on the court, his shooting and knowledge of the game has vastly improved. Diaz's skills seem more tailor-made for the shooting guard position, but his size may force him to play some point guard at the next level. The problem is that although he is an exceptional ball-handler, he does not yet know how to run an offense. He is a very aggressive player that is not afraid of contact or of challenging larger players in the paint. His shooting percentage dipped last season to 42 percent, but Diaz is a streaky shooter with 3-point range capable of going catching fire from the outside. He only averaged 2.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists last season. Although his speed is his biggest asset, it sometimes hinders him because he makes mistakes playing out of control. At the same time, Diaz's tremendous ability to create his own shot with a variety of athletic moves should serve him well in the NBA. He plays extremely hard but is mostly just a scorer who does not always seem interested in playing defense.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Shannon Brown: 6'4 205lb

SCOUTING REPORT: After averaging 17.2 points per game as a junior, Brown declared for the NBA draft but did not hire an agent. He is solidly built and is an explosive athlete who has improved his shooting. Brown excels at going to the basket and elevated his 3-point shooting to a career-best 39 percent this past season. He is an outstanding leaper and dunker and is definitely athletic enough to play in the NBA. When the game is on the line, Brown seems to step up. He was named the Most Outstanding Player in the Austin Regional in 2005 after scoring 24 points against Kentucky to lead the Spartans to the Final Four. Brown is an aggressive on-the-ball defender, who averaged 1.5 steals per game last season. Sometimes his aggressiveness costs him on the offensive end. He averaged 2.5 turnovers a game last season. The main concern with Brown's game concerns his height. He is small for the shooting guard position in the pros and does not possess point-guard skills, even though he is a decent ball-handler. Brown would be best served to return to college for his senior season and continue to work on his outside shooting.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Bobby Brown: 6'1 170lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Brown is a little-known player who made a lot of noise playing on the West Coast for Fullerton. Brown averaged 17.5 points per game his junior season, earning first-team All-Big West. The ultra-quick guard is able to create his own shot from anywhere on the court or create for teammates off the dribble. He is a tremendous penetrator and can finish around the basket in a variety of ways despite his height. Lacking ideal size for a point guard at the next level, Brown relies on his speed to help him on both sides of the court. Brown will have to take more of a leadership role at the next level as he was counted on more for scoring in the college game. He did not shoot a high percentage throughout his career at Fullerton (hitting just 41.5 percent of his shots), but was able to make the 3-point shot a weapon. Having not signed an agent, Brown is likely to go through the pre-draft process, get his name out there and return for his senior campaign. Brown would be best served to return for his last year to show he can be a strong lead guard. His lowly 1.38 assist-to-turnover ratio needs to improve in order to convince NBA personnel he can play at the next level. If he keeps his name in, Brown could be selected in the top 40 due to his athleticism, but could tumble out of the draft all together with a poor pre-draft showing.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Arron Afflalo: 6'5 210lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Afflalo entered his name in the draft but didn't hire an agent, maintaining his eligibility for the 2006-07 season. Afflalo helped key UCLA's run to the NCAA title game in 2006, as he increased his scoring average from 10.8 to 15.8 points per game. While not blessed with great athleticism or superior shooting ability, Afflalo is very accurate on midrange jump shots, and he hit 80.6 percent of his free throws. His 3-point shooting is a concern after his average from beyond the arc fell from 39.6 to 36.6 percent last season. His strong frame allows him to be strong on the dribble, and he can handle contact. A poor shooting performance in the Final Four could cause Afflalo to return to school for his junior season, as he went 6-for-21 from the floor. Another season at UCLA working on his shooting might raise his stock with NBA teams.

• NBA Draft Bio-Rajon Rondo: 6'1 171lb

SCOUTING REPORT: After two years at Kentucky, Rondo hired an agent and declared for the NBA draft. A quick first step is one of his best attributes, and he is a tough defender who averaged 2.3 steals per game in college. A steady presence at point guard, he averaged 4.9 assists and only 2.3 turnovers in 2005-06. His athleticism allows him to beat defenders off the dribble, and he is a strong finisher once in the lane. Rondo shot 51 percent from the floor in 2004-05 and 48 percent last season, but he struggled badly from 3-point range and the foul line. Rondo converted only 27 percent from beyond the arc last season and hit 57 percent of his free throws. Athletic and versatile, Rondo is an outstanding rebounder, averaging 6.1 last season and grabbing 19 in a game against Iowa. His quickness and ballhandling allow him to break pressure defenses. Lots of upside, but is predictably raw after only two collegiate seasons.

  • NBA Draft Bio-J.P. Batista: 6'9 269lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Batista is strong as a bull inside, and that strength helped him average 19.3 points and 9.4 rebounds per game as a senior last season. A junior college transfer, the Brazil native played two seasons at Gonzaga and had a solid career, shooting 60 percent from the floor and a pleasantly surprising 82 percent from the free-throw line, outstanding for a power player. He relies on his brute strength and a bevy of hooks and fakes to score along with a soft touch. Foot speed is not something Batista possesses. In college, he was able to impose his will on other players inside and score when he wanted to, but it will be a lot harder to do that in the NBA against players that are just as strong or stronger. His athleticism and agility are below average that it will be hard for him to guard anyone at the NBA level. Batista is a decent passer out of the post, as former college teammate Adam Morrison can attest to. He does not have much shooting range, although he was actually 10-of-22 from 3-point range in his college career. Batista collected 15 double-doubles his senior season. His large frame and lack of foot speed seem to prevent him from chasing down loose balls, despite his desire. He is an older prospect, turning 25 in October. Batista is also not a good shot-blocker because his leaping ability is minimal. He should play basketball for many years, but it likely will not be in the NBA.

  • NBA Draft-Bio-Richard Roby: 6'6 195lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Roby is the half-brother of Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin, and proved to be a gifted offensive player at Colorado. He led the Buffaloes in scoring as a freshman, when he averaged 16.0 points per game. Roby has great shooting range and he performed even better as a sophomore, scoring 17.0 points per game with 5.5 rebounds. Roby declared for the draft but did not hire an agent. Roby's excellent shooting mechanics make him a talented outside shooter. He can knock down shots off the dribble, catch and shoot and hit the turnaround shot. Roby likes having the ball in his hands in big situations. He shot 43 percent in two college seasons, including 37 percent on 3-pointers. Roby has extremely long arms and averaged 2.1 steals per game last season. While he is a capable defender, he often seems interested solely on offense and can lose focus on the defensive end. His versatility is a big asset. He shot 3-for-11 from the field in a game against Texas Tech, but pulled down 15 rebounds and blocked three shots. A talented athlete, but probably needs to become stronger physically. His free-throw shooting must also improve from the 73 percent he shot in college. Many scouts see Roby as an outstanding prospect, but he could fall in the draft due to lack of experience.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Jordan Farmar: 6'2 180lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Outstanding court vision makes Farmar a very capable point guard. He elevated the play of his UCLA teammates in their drive to the 2006 championship game and his leadership was crucial to his team's run. Farmar scored 18 points in the Bruins' loss to Florida in the title game. He is an excellent passer and ballhandler, but his aggressive style can sometimes results in too many turnovers, as he averaged 3.8 per game in college. He has a good feel for the flow of the game and understands when to push the tempo and when to slow things down. Farmar plays with a poise that belies his 19 years. He declared for the draft after two seasons at UCLA and is an adept penetrator and strong finisher around the basket. A talented scorer as well as a passer, he averaged 13.5 points to go with 5.1 assists per game last season. Farmer is a capable -- albeit streaky -- outside shooter. He shot 41 percent from the floor in his college career and 33 percent from 3-point range. Shot selection can be questionable at times. Farmar is undersized and can be pushed around by bigger guards on defense, but he is a hustling defender with very quick hands. His dynamic style on offense, which includes a tough crossover dribble, creates problems for defenders. Despite having only two seasons of college experience, his range of skills at a premium position could make him an attractive target for a number of teams.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Nemanja Aleksandrov: 6'10 210lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Aleksandrov might have been taken in the top 10 last year before an ACL injury ended his season. Despite not having played one game this season, Aleksandrov has re-entered his name in the draft. While consistency has often been a problem for Aleksandrov, often coasting in games, there is no doubting his offensive ability at his size. At 19 years old, Aleksandrov has an array of offensive moves that allows him to operate in the paint as well as take his defender off the dribble. Aleksandrov averaged just 6.0 points and 3.0 rebounds per game during the 2004-05 season for KK FMP, playing only 17.5 minutes per game. It was his 22-point, eight-rebound performance the game before he was injured that left a lasting impression in a gym full of pro scouts. With so many questions about his health and game after a year layoff, Aleksandrov could only be getting his name back in the minds of scouts by re-entering the draft. Youth and uncertainty surrounding him could cause him to withdraw.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Daniel Gibson: 6'2 190lb

SCOUTING REPORT: In his sophomore season, Gibson's promising game seemed to regress. His scoring average dropped from 14.2 points in 2004-05 to 13.4 last season, and his assists dropped from 3.9 to 3.1. He did cut his turnovers from 3.1 to 1.9 per game, but his lack of experience -- not to mention size -- raise questions about whether he is ready to play in the NBA. Gibson is a good 3-point shooter and averaged 39 percent from behind the arc in college. A position switch may have hurt him last season, as he played more at shooting guard after being utilized mostly at point guard as a freshman. His quickness allows him to beat most defenders off the dribble. Gibson has quick hands, is a solid defender and averaged 1.8 steals in his freshman season. Although he flashes promising point guard skills, he is turnover-prone. At times, he has problems against heavy pressure and does too much dribbling, but boasts good court vision.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Tiago Splitter: 6'11 236lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Splitter has entered his name in the past two drafts, only to withdraw both times. Last season, teams were scared off by a massive buyout option if he were to be drafted. While his size and skill may intrigue some teams, his draft stock has taken a hit. Splitter's numbers for Tau Ceramica this past season were not bad, averaging more than 10 points and almost five rebounds per game in 23 minutes. However, many were expecting a breakout year, which still has not happened. He has come on strong lately, reaching double figures in 12 of his last 13 games, averaging 14.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in that span. While he has been able to score, Splitter still has yet to refine his offensive game. He does not possess great range on his jumper, and does not have much of a repertoire in the post, relying mostly on layups and put-backs. Many scouts believe his defense is ahead of his offense at this stage of his career, which would make him a nice bench option at the power forward spot in the league. Splitter has been on the NBA draft radar for several years now, and while he may not have a buyout set, he may enter his name this year. He has an outside shot at the first round, with an immediate future much in the same respect as fellow countryman Anderson Varejao as a high-energy rebounder and shot-blocker off the bench.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Olexsiy Pecherov: 6'11 222lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Pecherov became known during the 2004 Reebok Eurocamp, establishing himself among the best players there. He enhanced his stock by leading the Ukraine to the gold medal at the Global Games, averaging 24 points and 10 rebounds per game. Pecherov's stock, though, has fallen a bit since his good run in 2004. However, he still has solid skills that could get him selected late in the first round. He has averaged nine points and almost five rebounds per game in just under 17 minutes last season, including a 23-point, 12-rebound performance. Pecherov does many things adequately, but nothing in his game stands out. He is a solid athlete and possesses decent range on his jumper for a power forward. He lacks ideal strength to play the four, needing to add about 20 to 30 pounds to fill out his frame. Even if drafted, Pecherov could stand to play another year or two in Europe to refine his game. He will be only 21 on draft night, giving teams a few years to let him blossom overseas. If he can regain the form he showed a few years ago, Pecherov could wind up a solid rotation player for many years to come.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Andrea Bargnani: 7'0 225lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Bargnani enters the draft as the consensus top international prospect. At only 20 years old, his game compares to that of the Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki. Bargnani has great size, but prefers to play on the perimeter. His versatility will make him an intriguing lottery pick. After logging only nine minutes per game for Benetton during the 2004-05 season, Bargnani took on a more prominent role this year. After averaging 10.6 points per game in just over 19 minutes per contest in the regular season, he saw his playing time increase during the playoffs. Bargnani managed 11.5 points and six rebounds per game during the six-game round-robin tournament, logging more than 25 minutes per game. Bargnani has good range on his shot for his height, draining 43.3 percent of his 3-point attempts. While his range will intrigue some teams, he has yet to refine his post game. He prefers to face up outside and try and take his man off the dribble. Bargnani is hardly a banger down low offensively, and he is easily moved out of defensive rebounding position. He will need to add strength over the next year or two in order to withstand the rigors of an NBA season. Teams looking to draft Bargnani will have to find a position for him in the league, as he is stuck between small and power forward positions. Despite some of his shortcomings, he comes to the draft with plenty of professional experience. Many consider Bargnani to be a talent projected in the top five to ten picks. However, there are risks involved. After Spain's Fran Vasquez elected to stay in Europe last season despite being selected 11th overall by the Orlando Magic, many teams may be hesitant to select an international player in the top 10.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Marcus Vinicius: 6'9 235lb

SCOUTING REPORT: After withdrawing his name from the 2005 draft, Vinicius is quickly making a name for himself again with his play this past season. Still on the cusp of being a first-round selection, Vinicius has the versatility many teams are looking for. If he continues his brilliant 2006 season, a first-round selection is a possibility. Vinicius had been regarded as another athletically gifted international wing player, but he has now added some facets to his game that make him more intriguing. At 6-foot-9, he has been handling point-guard duties for Sao Carlos, and producing great statistics. Averaging nearly 20 points and five assists per game, Vinicius has had a few near triple-double performances this season, finishing with more than 30 points in two contests. Vinicius' agent hired a former NBA assistant coach to help with his training and learning of the game. Vinicius also has been studying NBA-style offensive and defensive sets, gearing himself up to make the leap to the next level. Vinicius will likely stay in the draft this time around with his stock on the rise. He may need another year of seasoning in South America before occupying an NBA roster spot. However, a team selecting at the bottom of the first round looking for a role player that could eventually mold into a lesser version of Phoenix's Boris Diaw could take a chance on him.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Lior Eliahu: 6'9 225lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Widely regarded as the first Israeli-born player to potentially make it to the NBA, Eliahu still has a lot of work ahead of him to make the jump to the league. He is a raw player with tremendous skills and athletic ability, but there are several obstacles in his path. While Eliahu has shown a variety of offensive abilities, the competition he faces is sub-par. Nevertheless, scouts always seem interested in a player that is 6-foot-9 and can hit an NBA-range 3-point shot, take the ball off the dribble and doesn't play atrocious defense. Eliahu opened some eyes at the European under-20 Championships in Russia this past summer, averaging 18.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Eliahu has the foundation in place to become a productive NBA player. He needs a few more years' seasoning overseas to refine his game. Also delaying his potential NBA future is a two-year required military stint with the Israeli army. Though he may be a few years away from his NBA debut, Eliahu is firmly on the draft radar for this year and several years to follow.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Damir Markota: 6'11 240lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Markota entered the draft two years ago under the name Damir Omerhodzic, but was undrafted. After rumors circulated about some off-the-court problems and Markota failed to stand out in workouts, he skipped the 2005 draft to focus on this year. He is a solid blend of size and athleticism, but is an extremely raw prospect. Though his name has changed, the game has remained the same -- pure height and leaping ability around the rim. Almost seven feet tall, Markota owns a 36-inch vertical leap and has the tenacity around the basket. Immaturity and inconsistency have also plagued Markota over the past few seasons. While he has a reputation in some circles as a players who likes to party off the court, Markota opened some eyes at the European Under-20 Championships last summer, averaging 18.5 points and 11 rebounds per game. Markota is aggressive around the basket, but can also sink long-range shots, hitting 40 percent of his 3-point attempts this season. Markota may need another year or two in Europe to both refine his game and prove he is more mature and ready to play at the next level.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Yi Jianlian: 7'0 230lb

SCOUTING REPORT: The fact Jianlian's name is even being mentioned for this year's draft is a surprise as it was expected that China would not allow him to enter his name this season. Jianlian is an intriguing, raw prospect who may take a few years to develop into the American style of basketball. There is an ongoing dispute about his age -- he is listed as being 18 years old, but some believe he was born in 1985, making him 21. Jianlian is playing his fourth season with Guangdong in the Chinese Basketball Association, and is enjoying his best year so far. He led Guangdong to the CBA title, averaging just under 20 points and 10 rebounds per game in the playoffs, while the Tigers amassed a 10-1 record. Throughout the regular season, Jianlian averaged 20.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game recording 20 double-doubles. Jianlian topped the 30-point mark eight times, including a 43-point performance in the regular season finale. Dominating the Chinese Association is one thing, but expanding his game to excel in the NBA will be a huge jump for Jianlian to make. He is quite thin and will be hard-pressed to handle himself in the post at the power forward position. He will be better served guarding "threes" while trying to add weight. Jianlian has not shown great range on his shot, only hitting 28.6 percent of his 3-point attempts this season. There are many questions surrounding Jianlian as he makes a bid to jump to the next level. On top of sorting out how old he really is and how good he can be against top competition, there is the issue of negotiating with the Chinese league for a buyout of his contract, a process that was not easy for the Rockets when they selected Yao Ming. Jianlian has potential, but is still a few years away from realizing it fully. He could be a nice first-round project for a perennial playoff team to select and stash away for a few seasons.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Louis Amundson: 6'9 225lb

SCOUTING REPORT: The biggest strength of Amundson's game is his rebounding. As a senior, he averaged 8.6 rebounds per game, bettering the 7.5 he recorded as a junior. He had a huge game against Hawaii in November, pulling down 21 rebounds to go along with 25 points. Despite his wiry frame, he can handle contact, and he had 10 games with 10 or more rebounds. Amundson utilizes his sneaky quickness and solid rebounding fundamentals to be successful on the glass. He is a high-energy player with long arms and good leaping ability. As a senior, he averaged a career-high 14.8 points per game, with most of his baskets coming close to the basket. Amundson needs to work on his mid-range jumper because he is not a threat past 12 feet. He shot 53 percent from the floor his senior season and 56 percent from the floor as a junior. He does have a few moves inside, consisting mostly of a jump hook and some spin moves. Because he is not big enough to play power forward in the professional ranks, he must improve his ball handling. Defensively, he has enough foot speed and desire to be an effective defender. His free-throw shooting is really weak, as evidenced by the 58 percent he shot his senior year and the horrid 29 percent he shot his junior year. Overall, Amundson's lack of size and underdeveloped offensive game hinder his ability to succeed at the next level and make him a late second-round pick at best.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Marco Killingsworth: 6'8 268lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Any college player that has ever guarded Killingsworth is glad that they will not have to play against this man anymore. Brute strength is only part of his game, though. For such a big man, he has surprisingly quick feet and solid footwork combined with the ability to score down low with either hand make the left-handed Killingsworth a dominant force in the post. He is able to score against much bigger players and, after transferring to Indiana after three years at Auburn, considered entering the 2005 draft. Killingsworth sat out a year after transferring, then he put his skills on display his senior season, when he averaged 17.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and shot 54 percent from the floor. Killingsworth opened a lot of eyes when he scored 34 points on Duke's Shelden Williams -- the reigning Defensive Player of the Year -- in a close home loss to the top-ranked Blue Devils. Once Killingsworth obtains his customary deep position in the post, opposing players are typically in a lot of trouble because he uses his big body to get the position he wants. He also has a jump hook and a sky hook in his repertoire. His free-throw shooting needs to improve, considering how often he gets fouled down low by defenders that cannot handle him. He shot 61 percent from the line his senior season, regressing from the 69 percent he shot as a freshman at Auburn and 64 percent as a sophomore. Conditioning will be another area Killingsworth needs to work on, and he doesn't run the floor particularly well. It will be interesting to see how his post game translates to the NBA against much bigger players that are more used to the physical tactics he employs. He will be 24 years old on draft night, and scouts wonder how much upside he actually has. Even though most of his points come inside, he is a decent shooter. The smooth fashion in which he incorporates finesse and power in the post project to get him drafted in the second round.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Nik Caner-Medley: 6'8 240lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Named to the All-ACC team two years in a row and being named team MVP after his senior season clearly show Caner-Medley's college career was not too shabby. It is easy to spot Caner-Medley on the floor because he is left-handed, plays extremely hard, slashes fearlessly to the basket and aggressively shoots jumpers with defenders on him. Caner-Medley led Maryland in scoring the last two seasons, scoring 16 points per game his junior season and 15.3 per game his senior season. Caner-Medley is a streaky outside shooter, but when he is hot he can carry a team as back-to-back 30-point games on the road against Georgia Tech and Temple his senior season show. Caner-Medley's 3-point percentage was 36 percent his senior season because he did not force as many shots, compared to when he shot 50 more 3s as a junior and shot 34 percent. In college, he was strong enough and just quick enough to take smaller players to the basket, but he will not be able to outquick NBA players. He is a solid rebounder and averaged 6.3 per game as a senior. Caner-Medley's free-throw percentage improved every year, and he shot 82 percent last season. He is also a solid ball-handler for his size. Everyone should play as hard as Caner-Medley does, but his effort alone will not be enough for him to make an NBA roster. His lack of foot speed and lack of explosion hurts his draft chances. Caner-Medley should be able to excel overseas with his sometimes reckless, effective style like he did at Maryland against other players that lack that extra something to play in the NBA.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Christian Maraker: 6'9 235lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Offensive versatility is the strength of Maraker's game. He can score inside with his soft touch and hook shots from either hand. He can also shoot out to NBA 3-point range, but he is especially effective from 15 feet and in on his jumper. The reigning Big West Conference player of the year ended his collegiate career with a first-round loss to Boston College in the 2006 NCAA tournament, but he had an impressive performance scoring 30 points, grabbing nine rebounds and hitting a 3-pointer to force overtime. Maraker made a solid impression on scouts at the pre-draft Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, where he was named to the All-Portsmouth Third Team. He averaged 12 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Maraker's team won the eight-team Portsmouth Tournament. Although he still needs to get stronger, he has gained a solid 15 pounds the last couple of years. His added strength helped him have his best season last year, as he averaged 17.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Maraker has international playing experience, playing for the Swedish National Team and is adjusting more and more to the more physical play here in the States. He shot over 50 percent from the floor in each of his last two college seasons and recorded an impressive 16 double-doubles his senior season. Because of his multi-faceted offensive game, Maraker has a chance to sneak into the second round if he impresses in private workouts. The biggest problem he would have in the NBA would be on defense, where his strength and quickness could be a liability. But he still seems to have upside, as he has become more aggressive offensively each season in college.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Mike Gansey: 6'4 205lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Few players in the draft have Gansey's basketball intelligence. He seldom makes bad plays or forces shots and, despite not being a great athlete, has a knack for getting his shot off. His smarts and quick release helped him shoot 55 percent from the floor as a senior and 43 percent from 3-point range, as he averaged 16.8 points per game and made scouts notice him. Gansey makes so many heady plays on the court that he stands out, seemingly involved in every key play for West Virginia. Gansey never seems to tire, despite how hard he plays diving after loose balls and sacrificing his body for rebounds and drives to the basket. He is an exceptional rebounder for his size and led West Virginia in rebounds last season with 5.7 per contest. Gansey is also a solid defender, despite his lack of foot speed. Anyone that plays against him has to be ready to scrap with him because he always gives extra effort. NBA insiders worry Gansey is too slow and small to make the positive impact he made in college. But all the intangibles he brings to the court cannot be ignored. He also needs to improve his free-throw shooting, as it dropped to 69 percent his senior year, continuing a downward trend after connecting on 70 percent his junior year and 83 percent as a sophomore. Because he naturally seems to do so many things right on the floor time and time again and can shoot well from the outside, look for him to sneak into the second round.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Steve Novak: 6'10 220lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Watching him stroke long-range shot after long-range shot and taking a close look at his statistics reveal that Novak is the best outside shooter in this year's draft. A career 46 percent 3-point shooter and a 93 percent free-throw shooter, Novak's lifetime 3-point shooting percentage and free-throw percentage are higher than fellow sharpshooter J.J. Redick, who finished his career shooting 41 percent from 3-point range and 91 percent from the line. Novak only missed 18 free throws his entire college career. No one is going to draft him to defend or post up, because he does both poorly. But Novak continued to shoot well and made the All-Portsmouth first team, averaging 16 points and six rebounds, while shooting 46 percent from 3-point land. His height and smooth shooting mechanics allow him to get his shot off and should continue to allow him to do it in the NBA. In college, 73 percent of Novak's shot attempts were 3s, and he will have no problem shooting from NBA 3-point range. He connected on six 3-pointers in a game nine times his senior season, and he averaged 17.5 points per game. However, shooting is where it starts and ends with Novak, though he has improved his rebounding by gradually getting stronger throughout college. He averaged a career-best 5.9 rebounds last season. He is not a good athlete and sometimes struggles against athletic defenders. But he does seem to step up to his competition. Last season, he scored a career-high 41 points in a win over Connecticut. Because of his outstanding shooting ability, Novak will be drafted in the early-to-mid second round and expect him to be on an opening-day roster.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Rodney Carney: 6'7 205lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Carney was a major reason Memphis came within one victory of their first trip to the Final Four since 1985. He led the team in scoring, averaging 17.2 points per game, after averaging 16 per game his junior year. Carney's pogo-stick like jumping ability makes him one of the most coveted athletes in the draft and a potential lottery pick. Everyone always knew Carney could jump out of the gym, but his outside shot was a big question mark. Carney improved his outside game and his draft status by making a career-high 102 3-pointers his senior season and increasing his 3-point shooting percentage to 39 percent. With his long arms and lean frame, he is able to elevate quite easily over defenders for his shot. Carney's long frame and quickness also make him an effective defender with a nose for the ball in the passing lanes, as he averaged 1.3 steals per game as a senior. Carney's 2006 NCAA tournament performance demonstrated the inconsistency that plagued his college career at times. In games against Oral Roberts and Bradley, he shot a combined 14-of-26 from the floor, scoring 42 points and recording four steals. But Carney struggled mightily in a 50-45 loss to eventual runner-up UCLA, shooting 2-for-12 from the floor, and at times he seemed to prove his doubters correct that he can not step up in big games. He also shot 3-of-10 against Bucknell in the second round. To become a star at the next level, Carney has to improve his ball-handling and shot selection and not rely solely on his immense athleticism. Although there are questions about Carney's mental toughness, lean frame and his jumper, his overall athletic prowess should ensure a top 15 selection on draft night.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Craig Smith: 6'7 250lb

SCOUTING REPORT: It was clear from the beginning of Smith's college career that he was a good player. As a freshman, Smith averaged 19.9 points per game, 7.9 rebounds and shot 60 percent from the floor. He proved immediately how adept he was at using his massive frame to create shots for himself by scoring in double figures in 29 games, including 17 games with 20 or more points. Although not a great leaper, Smith has a well-developed post game with a soft touch around the basket to complement his sound footwork. During his collegiate career, Smith worked hard to improve his game even though he experienced immediate success. He has lost 25 pounds since his freshman year and has shooting range out to 18 feet, although he can not shoot well off the dribble. He boxes out extremely well and anticipates rebounds well, averaging 9.4 rebounds a game as a senior. He had 14 games last year with 12 or more rebounds. His scoring average as a senior was 17.6 points a game, but the lower total in comparison to his freshman year reflects the depth of what has become a solid college team every year. Smith is an active help defender but lacks foot speed to keep up with more athletic players. He also needs to work on his free-throw shooting, as he shot 64 percent from the free-throw line as a senior. Although he had an impressive college career against top-notch competition, there are some questions about Smith that lower his draft prospects. Smith lacks a true position to play in the NBA. He is an undersized power player who will struggle guarding taller players and quicker players. He also has a tendency to get in foul trouble and must make his outside shot more consistent. At the same time, Smith's collegiate successes will make some team take a chance on him in the second round.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Denham Brown: 6'6 220lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Brown is one of those players who make contributions that go unnoticed by fans, but are noticeable to his teammates. It would seem easy to get overshadowed on a Connecticut team with several first-round type talents. Brown's stats his senior season don't jump out at you even though they are solid -- 10.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 40 percent from the floor and 87 percent from the free-throw line. However, he always seemed to be there on the floor producing, when some of the bigger names on the team were not. At the season-opening Maui Invitational last November, Brown averaged 15.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He also hit a jumper in the waning seconds against Gonzaga to win the tournament. Brown can be a streaky shooter, but in college he played an unselfish game, choosing to more often get his teammates involved. He is not an exceptional athlete but makes up for it by having a keen awareness of where to be on the floor in all situations. Brown does not possess great quickness or anything in his skill set that is exceptional besides his free-throw shooting and sometimes-appearing offensive game. Brown is not afraid to take clutch shots and has international experience playing for Team Canada, where he played well offensively against professional players. He once scored 111 points in a high-school game. Brown needs to work on his dribbling and continue to give the solid effort he is known for. He is projected as a second-round pick, because at times in his career he was able to outshine his more talented teammates at Connecticut and appeared to be the glue of that team.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Shelden Williams: 6'9 250lb

SCOUTING REPORT: When you play with a great college player like J.J. Redick, sometimes a player's stats, no matter how great, can be overshadowed. Williams, while extremely muscular and seemingly a little mechanical at times because of it, is more than just a player many scouts label as a hard worker, good citizen-type player. Possessing deceptive quickness and a knack for the ball, Williams averaged 18.8 points per game and 10.7 rebounds as a senior. He is also a terrific shot blocker, finishing fourth in the nation last season with 3.8 blocks a contest. As a junior, Williams was the national defensive player of the year averaging 3.7 blocks a game. Williams played center at Duke his entire career, but he will have to play more power forward in the pros due to his size. However, Williams will still be able to play center at times because of an extremely long wingspan and great footwork. Despite his bulk, he can still run the floor well enough to create some mismatches when he plays center. Williams uses an effective jump-hook as one of his main offensive weapons and has improved his mid-range game. Not afraid to put in the work to improve as a player, Williams' work ethic has been also demonstrated in his improvement from the free-throw line, where he averaged 76 percent as a senior, up from 63 percent as a freshman. Playing with a shooter like Redick greatly benefited Williams, as it gave him ample opportunities to hone his passing out of the low post and his ability to set picks. He will have to continue to work on polishing his sometimes stiff offensive game to become more than just a player who crashes the boards and scores on offensive rebounds. Even though Williams is not blessed with a lot of offensive imagination, he doesn't have to be. He is ready to step on an NBA court and contribute in a lot of ways, and he definitely has the potential to score and rebound in double digits in the pros, which will make him a lottery pick.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Steven Smith: 6'9 225lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Smith declared for the 2005 NBA draft before ultimately returning for his senior season. He was impressive at the Chicago pre-draft camp last season, where he was the second-leading scorer. Smith took advantage of another season in college by improving his shooting percentage from 45 percent his junior year to 49 percent. He also cut down on his high turnover average from 4.6 to 3.6 per game.There are a lot of things Smith does well, including being able to shoot from the outside or post up down low. His offensive versatility allowed him to score 2,172 points in his college career. He averaged 19.7 points per game last season, after averaging 20.3 his junior campaign. Smith scored a career-high 41 points in a road win over Central Connecticut last December. He plays a lot taller than his 6-foot-9 height, as he has a wingspan of a seven-footer. In college, he guarded power forwards, but scouts question if he can guard quicker players at small forward in the NBA because he lacks lateral quickness. He is not big enough to guard many power forwards at the NBA level, but he is a solid rebounder and averaged over eight rebounds a game in college. As a senior, Smith improved his shot selection taking 80 less 3-pointers and shooting more mid-range jumpers. Smith can make 3s, but he does not excel from that range, shooting 34 percent his senior year. He is known as an intelligent leader who is sometimes too unselfish. He is not the most athletic player, but he makes up for it with court savvy. Smith has a lot of intangibles to make him at the least an intriguing player, but his performances in individual team workouts will probably determine his draft fate. He could possibly slip into the second round.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Bobby Jones: 6'7 215lb

SCOUTING REPORT: The questions surrounding Jones' game concern his offensive abilities. In college, he was considered one of the best defensive players in the country. Jones is a physical, aggressive defender with outstanding lateral quickness. Outside shooting and ball-handling are the biggest weaknesses in Jones' game, but he did play well at the pre-draft Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. He was named to the All-Portsmouth First Team, and he averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds, two steals and one block per game. As a senior, Jones averaged 10.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. Jones is an excellent offensive rebounder for his size and led Washington in rebounding his junior year with 5.6 rebounds per game. His 50 percent shooting percentage in his college career belies the fact that he is not an accomplished outside shooter. In college, he was able to utilize his athleticism and strong finishing ability to score a lot of points in transition and inside the paint. Jones was a 37 percent 3-point shooter in his college career. Although he is a hard-nosed defender, he is also foul-prone, fouling out of 29 games his college career. Jones is not a big-time scorer, and the 11.2 points he averaged both his sophomore and junior seasons were his best scoring seasons. He is capable of playing small forward, but shooting guard would be where ends up playing because of his lack of size. His defensive prowess will likely get him a look in an NBA camp, but his perimeter game could hinder his ability to stick.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Eric Hicks: 6'6 245lb

SCOUTING REPORT: If you play against Hicks, you better bring your hard hat. He is a relentless, yet undersized player who crashes the boards repeatedly for plenty of rebounds and putbacks. As a senior, he averaged 15.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game, especially amazing because he is so short. Hicks played his usual aggressive, effective game at the pre-draft Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, where he was named to the All-Portsmouth Second Team after averaging 16.7 points, 13.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. Hicks has worked hard on developing an outside game. He can hit an occasional 15-footer and connected on 13-of-27 3-point attempts as a senior. His outside game must get better because his baskets on the inside come more from hustle and muscle. Hicks does not possess a vast array of offensive moves, but he is especially effective on the offensive glass, averaging 4.4 offensive boards last season. Hicks shot 51 percent from the field his college career, but he must improve his free-throw shooting. As a senior, he shot 66 percent from the free-throw line, which was the best of his college career. Last season, Hicks had 14 double-doubles. In college, his athleticism and aggressiveness helped him achieve, but in the NBA he will not be able to dominate on the boards the same way because of his lack of height. He will also have problems on defense against bigger power forwards and much quicker small forwards. But his productivity cannot be ignored, and he could be drafted in the second round. His desire and work ethic will make it possible for him to make an NBA roster.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Pops Mensah-Bonsu: 6'9 240lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Raw would be an accurate way to describe Mensah-Bonsu's game. Fundamentally, he is not as developed as most of his peers, because he played soccer as a youth in London and has not been playing basketball as long. However, Mensah-Bonsu has outstanding athleticism that can not be taught, and he runs the floor very fluidly. He is an explosive leaper who produced many highlight-reel dunks in college. All of his baskets come inside, but he is highly efficient, shooting 61 percent from the floor in his college career. Mensah-Bonsu is hard to defend in the post because he is extremely quick and uses his leaping ability to score over defenders. He gets fouled a lot in the post, but he is not able to capitalize because of his poor free-throw shooting -- 61 percent for his college career. As a senior, he only shot 53 percent from the line. He must work on developing a jumper, because at this point it's non-existent. Mensah-Bonsu is a high-energy player that always hustles and will dive to the floor for a ball or whatever it takes to help his team. He averaged 12.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks as a senior. Pops, as he is more affectionately known, has the potential to be an even better rebounder and shot blocker when he learns more technique. He only had 10 double-doubles his entire college career. Pops declared for the 2005 draft, did not hire and agent and worked out for nine teams before returning for his senior season. He is beloved at George Washington and by all who have ever played with him because of his humble, fun-loving personality. Some team may take a chance on his athleticism late in the second round, but he is a project at best who could become a Bo Outlaw-type player.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Matt Haryasz: 6'11 230lb

jumpers unlike many big men. His range can extend beyond 18 feet, but the mid-range jumper is his specialty. Due to his love for the jumper, his field goal percentage looks more like a guard's than a big man's, as he shot 48 percent from the floor as a senior. He also averaged 16.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. Although Haryasz has worked hard on gaining weight during college and gotten stronger, the biggest knock on him is still his lack of strength. He can be pushed around in the paint by larger players and tends to shy away from contact. Haryasz does use his extremely long wingspan well and is a decent shot blocker. Despite the fact that he needs to add more muscle, his collegiate numbers show he is a solid rebounder. As a junior, he averaged 9.1 rebounds per game and had eleven double-doubles. As a senior, he recorded 10 double-doubles. He must continue to add body mass to withstand the rigors of the NBA and dispel notions that he is a soft player. His ability to run the floor and shoot makes him an intriguing prospect in a draft lacking quality big men.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Adam Morrison: 6'8 205lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Morrison's decision to declare for the draft after his junior year came as a surprise to nobody, as he has proved himself over and over again at the college level. He is a scorer in every sense of the word, with the ability to put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways. After Gonzaga's devastating collapse against UCLA in the Sweet 16, Morrison's stock may have tumbled a bit, but not out of the top 10. After being named to The Associated Press preseason All-American team, Morrison had a target on his back every time he took the court. He responded by leading the nation in scoring, averaging 28.1 points per game, up from the 19.0 per game he averaged as a sophomore. It didn't take long for the nation to catch on to Morrison's abilities, as he put on a show in the Maui Invitational in November. It was in a 109-106 triple-overtime victory over No. 12 Michigan State that Morrison put the country on notice, scoring a then career-high 43 points. Morrison added four more 40-plus point efforts, including 44 against Loyola Marymount in which he dropped 37 in the second half alone. Morrison has perfected the mid-range jumper as well as having the ability to shoot from 3-point range. He works harder off the ball to get his shot than anybody in college basketball. While this is admirable, it speaks to concerns about Morrison being able to get his shot at the next level. Not blessed with great athletic ability, Morrison relies on hustle and grit to get his points, working extremely hard for every basket. He will be overwhelmed at the next level with the athleticism of other small forwards, a concern that has teams thinking twice about his top-five prospects. So what exactly is the appeal of a small forward who can't jump, run, shoot or rebound as well as other prospects? Morrison just has that "it" that makes him go. He has been doubted at every level and he has excelled at every level. He is the most competitive player in the draft, and there is no doubting that he will work as hard as he can to be successful at the NBA level.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Leon Powe: 6'8 240lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Powe led the Pac-10 in scoring (20.5 ppg) and rebounding (10.1 rpg) last season, helping the Golden Bears to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2003. He declared for the draft but did not hire an agent. Powe is a physical specimen capable of scoring inside or out, and he overpowered much of his college competition. NBA personnel worry about Powe's injury history because he has had reconstructive knee surgery twice and missed his sophomore season (2004-2005). He also suffered a stress fracture that sidelined him the first month of last season. Although Powe excels down low, he is developing a mid-range jumper. He has a 7-foot-2 wingspan to go with his great upper body strength. Despite the knee injuries, Powe has above average leaping ability. He is a very aggressive player with a nose for the basketball. Last season, he had 15 double-doubles and scored 30 points in back-to-back games against Stanford and Arizona. For a player his size, he is a very good ball handler. He shot 50 percent from the floor and 72 percent from the free-throw line this past season. The biggest questions about Powe revolve around his injury history and the fact he is undersized to play power forward in the pros. In college, he could outmuscle almost everyone. But, in the NBA he could struggle against the long, lean players that frequent the league. His private workouts will be key to see where he is drafted. He has the skills of a first-rounder, but his knees are a huge concern that may cause him to return to college for another season.

  • NBA Draft Bio-P.J. Tucker: 6'5 225lb

SCOUTING REPORT: While teammates LaMarcus Aldridge and Daniel Gibson may have received more of the headlines throughout the season, Tucker was the glue that held the Longhorns together. Gibson increased his scoring averages in each of his three seasons. After missing the final 14 games in 2004-05 for being academically ineligible, Tucker averaged just over 16 points per game in 2005-06 to help Texas reach the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament. He also averaged 9.5 rebounds per game, leading the Big 12 conference. Tucker presented constant mismatches for opponents throughout his career at Texas. Standing only 6-foot-5, Tucker plays much taller than that, greatly preferring to operate in the post. Often commanding attention from taller players, Tucker is able to take those bigger opponents off the dribble on the perimeter. If a quicker player is put on Tucker, he has no hesitations working him over in the post. Tucker's range is extremely limited, as he attempted only four 3-pointers in his entire career at Texas. He can hit from 12-to-14 feet out, but not much farther. Tucker played big in big games, recording double-doubles in all four tournament games this past season. Despite his propensity to step up when needed, Tucker is considered an enigma at the next level due to his size combined with his playing style. Considered by some to be a poor man's Charles Barkley, many fear he could be a bust of Byron Houston-like proportions. Tucker will probably not be a complete bust due to his intensity on the court. His lack of range on the jumper will have some teams worried about which position to play him at. He is too talented to not be drafted, but his lack of position will likely keep him out of the first round on draft night, most likely landing in the early to mid-second round.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Alexander Johnson: 6'10 225lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Johnson entering his name into the draft came as a surprise to some, but he has the potential to work his way toward the first round. Though he had moderate averages of 13.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game as a junior, he has an NBA-ready body and pro-style game as well. Johnson worked hard in between his sophomore and junior seasons, shedding 25 pounds and dramatically improving his overall game on both ends of the court. He really came on strong toward the end of this season, averaging over 15 points and 9.5 rebounds per game over his last 14 games, including a 22-point, 13-rebound performance in the Seminoles' 79-74 upset of top-ranked Duke. Johnson has worked dramatically on his shooting touch over his three years at Florida State. Though his field goal percentage has not greatly improved, he has developed a dangerous jumper from 15-to-18 feet. There have been questions about Johnson's size as well, as some feel he may be closer to 6-foot-8 rather than his listed 6-foot-10. Although he doesn't possess a long wingspan, Johnson gets off the floor extremely well for a big man, reportedly having a 40-inch vertical leap. Johnson will have to impress in pre-draft workouts and camps to work himself toward the first round on draft night. He never put up tremendous numbers in college, but he played in a competitive conference and has the body to compete at the next level (think Othella Harrington). Johnson won't slide past the mid-second round if he keeps his name in, with a potential late first-round selection possible.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Taj Gray: 6'9 238lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Gray's excellent leaping ability, speed and huge wingspan allowed him to dominate at the junior college level, where he was a first-team All-American as a sophomore, finishing runner-up in the voting for National Junior College player of the year. That year, Gray averaged 18.1 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.3 blocked shots and led Redlands Community College to a 35-2 record and a national runner-up finish. Those accomplishments landed Gray at Oklahoma, where he enjoyed success, averaging 14.2 points and 7.7 rebounds in his senior season after averaging 14.6 points and 8.2 rebounds as a junior. Many scouts wonder if Gray can succeed at a level where there are plenty of other athletes like him, because he is too limited offensively. During his career at Oklahoma, Gray shot 56 percent from the floor by scoring in transition and with his back to the basket with an assortment of low post moves. Because of his willingness to bang down low, Gray went to the free-throw line an average of 5.5 times a game during his two years at Oklahoma. He improved his free-throw shooting to 71 percent in his senior year, bettering the 65 percent he shot as a junior. Gray is known for his good attitude and enthusiasm on the court, and he hustled his way to 12 double-doubles as a senior. Defensively, Gray has good lateral quickness and his length helped him block 104 shots in 62 games as a Sooner. In college, Gray's athleticism allowed him to mask his weak shooting skills. At the college level, his post game appeared more than adequate, but that was mainly due to playing against weaker players. At the NBA level, he will not be able to use his post game as much because he is listed at 6-foot-9, but many believe he's closer to 6-foot-8. The flaws in Gray's game, along with his height, will cause him to be drafted in the second round.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Shawne Williams: 6'9 225lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Ever since Williams decided to attend Memphis, skipping the 2005 draft in the process, he has had one eye on leaving early for the NBA. It only took one year with the Tigers to solidify himself as a player that oozes professional talent. At 6-9, he has the ability to grab a defensive rebound and dribble coast-to-coast and finish at the bucket on his own, a game well suited for the NBA. While Williams has the skills to fit in at the NBA level, he unfortunately has terrible shot selection. Williams shot 41.6 percent from the floor last season, terrible for a player that operated inside as much as he did. Included in those numbers is a five-game stretch where he shot 13-for-51. Williams has the ability to hit from outside, converting 31.2 percent from downtown, but he is more dangerous off the dribble. He has a tendency to rush his shot, settling for a contested jumper rather than using his driving ability to try to get to the rim. Once at the basket, Williams can finish with the best of them, using his wingspan to create in the air and finish, even while taking contact. Williams was able to excel against solid competition, dropping a season-high 26 points on eventual national runner-up UCLA. He tended to disappear for entire games, however, including a dismal eight-point performance on 2-for-9 shooting in an Elite Eight rematch loss to the Bruins during the NCAA tournament. His tendency to not have his head in the game coupled with his questionable work ethic has dramatically hurt Williams' stock. He is no question a top-10 talent, but his peripheral negatives may have pushed him down come draft night.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Tyrus Thomas: 6'9 215lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Thomas comes into the draft as arguably the most athletic player available. He is a raw athlete whose ceiling is unlimited. Coming into the 2005-06 season as an unknown redshirt freshman, Thomas had little hype on the draft radar. Everyone knew his name after the 2006 NCAA tournament, however, and he is now being considered a potential No. 1 overall selection. Comparisons for Thomas range from a more energetic version of fellow LSU alum Stromile Swift to Phoenix All-Star Amare Stoudemire. While his offensive repertoire is limited, Thomas more than makes up for it in pure athleticism. Scoring most of his baskets on offensive rebounds and in transition, Thomas averaged 12.5 points per game while shooting over 60 percent from the floor last season. In addition, Thomas averaged over nine rebounds and three blocks per game, including 14 double-doubles and 13 games with four or more blocks. While his numbers in the NCAA tournament were not off the charts (10.2 points, 8.6 rebounds per game), he provided the nation a glimpse of his potential with a handful of ridiculously athletic plays. Thomas will need to add some bulk to his frame to excel at the next level, as his athletic ability will only get him so far. He has little to no range on his jump shot, scoring mostly on layups and dunks. He will have to work for every rebound on both sides of the court with NBA-level power forwards able to move him around down low. Although he has some minor flaws and is far from a polished player, Thomas' unmatched upside has many scouts drooling at what he could become in the next three to five years. Patience will be needed for the team that selects him. He will provide some great highlights, but there will be a steep learning curve involved to progress at the NBA level. Thomas has assured himself of a top-five selection on draft night, and in the right situation, he could be the top overall choice.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Paul Millsap: 6'8 245lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Millsap was an absolute monster on the glass in his time with the Bulldogs, leading the nation in rebounds each of his three years. He pulled down 10 or more rebounds in 72 of his 92 career college games, recording 68 double-doubles in the process. Included in his 2005-06 season was a 28-rebound performance against San Jose State, the highest total in over five years in the WAC. While his rebounding prowess is well-known, Millsap can also put points on the board, averaging 18.6 points per game and shooting 57.7 percent from the floor in his collegiate career. He is a bruiser down low, often commanding a double-team in the post. He was also able to excel against good competition, averaging over 21 points per game against ranked opponents. Millsap was able to overwhelm opponents with his brute strength, but he will have to add a jumper to excel at the next level. Often working close to the basket, Millsap has a decent array of moves down low, but has very little range on his shot. His actual height will come into question during the pre-draft camps, as he may be closer to 6-foot-6 than his listed 6-foot-8. Millsap is a hard worker and achieved great things while at Louisiana Tech. He may have played against lesser competition in college, but he has a great nose for rebounds and can score around the hoop. With strong pre-draft workouts, Millsap could work his way into the late first round as a Ryan Gomes-type player.

  • NBA Draft Bio-LaMarcus Aldridge: 6'10 237lb

SCOUTING REPORT: When Aldridge made himself eligible for the 2006 NBA draft, nobody was surprised as he is widely considered the best big man prospect available. After a freshman campaign shortened to only 16 games after a hip injury, Aldridge lived up to the hype as a sophomore, averaging 15 points and over nine rebounds per game this past season, recording 17 double-doubles in the process. Not only did Aldridge excel from a statistical and performance standpoint, he was able to play after bulking up in the offseason. By adding 25 pounds last summer, Aldridge is now much better prepared to withstand the rigors of the NBA post than he was just a season ago. It was Aldridge's performance in Texas' sweet-16 game against West Virginia that generated a huge buzz among NBA personnel. He added 13 rebounds to a career-high 26 points in the Longhorns' last-second victory, completely overwhelming the Mountaineers' Kevin Pittsnogle and crew in the post. If that performance solidified his pro future among scouts, his next game against LSU may have tempered them a bit. Facing a Tigers' front line that included 320-pound beast Glen Davis and the freakishly-athletic Tyrus Thomas, Aldridge struggled mightily to score, managing only four points on 2-for-14 shooting from the floor. While he was constantly harassed down low, Aldridge still contributed 10 rebounds and five blocked shots in the 10-point loss. While his game versus LSU may have been a small indication of what he will face at the next level, Aldridge will rarely be surrounded in the post the way he was in Austin. He has legitimate size to handle himself down inside and be a force around the basket. With many teams picking at the top of the draft needing inside help, Aldridge will likely be selected in the top seven, with a No. 1 overall selection possible in the right situation.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Rudy Gay: 6'9 220lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Considered as one of the most athletic players in the draft, Gay is still an enigma to many NBA scouts. There are times where his explosiveness to the basket makes pro personnel drool, and then there are times he will disappear for two or three games at a time. It is what he could become in a few years that has Gay still toward the top of the draft. Eschewing the 2004 draft out of high school, Gay enjoyed a productive two years at Connecticut, averaging 13.6 points per game during his college career. He increased his stats across the board as a sophomore, averaging 15.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists, up from 11.8, 5.4 and 1.5, respectively, as a freshman. Gay was able to put points on the board, scoring in double figures in 28 of UConn's 33 contests. Although he is able to seemingly score at will at times, Gay tends to get lost in the flow of the game too often. His up-and-down sophomore campaign can be summed up by his performance during the Maui Invitational in November. He broke out for 28 points on 11-of-19 shooting in the first game against Arkansas, but managed only 16 points in the following two contests, shooting only 7-for-20 from the floor. Gay has all the tools to be a star at the next level. He can shoot from anywhere on the court and finish at the basket. Although at times he is reluctant to put the ball on the floor, he has the ability to slash to the bucket and jump over anyone in his way. Consistency is going to be Gay's biggest hurdle to overcome, as NBA rookies sometime struggle with the ups and downs of their first year as a pro. If Gay can put together all the gifts that he has on the basketball court, there is no reason why he can't average over 20 points a game in the NBA. It is this potential that will have him selected in the top 10 on draft night, possibly slipping into the top five.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Mouhamed Saer Sene: 7'0 232lb

SCOUTING REPORT: In a draft lacking true centers, a raw unknown with size like Saer Sene goes from an afterthought to a player who could vault himself into the first round. Having played the game for less than five years, Saer Sene is a work in progress to say the least. At a legitimate 7-0, his wingspan is a reported 7-8, making him a defensive weapon. Saer Sene was a virtual unknown until he put on a show at the 2006 Nike Hoops Summit. Saer Sene blocked nine shots in one contest that left onlookers buzzing, moving him firmly into the draft picture. It is his lack of offensive ability that has scouts wondering what Saer Sene can contribute at the next level. Playing overseas in Belgium, Saer Sene averages fewer than four points per game in just under 12 minutes of action. Although he is shooting almost 70 percent from the floor, Saer Sene gets most of his points around the basket. A 35.3 percent clip from the free throw line is more indicative of his lack of overall shooting touch. There are plenty of centers in the NBA that cannot shoot a lick (Ben Wallace comes to mind) so Saer Sene still will get a shot in the league. Teams will always look for a big man that can at least give them minutes in the post, which Saer Sene can eventually provide. He will need to add weight to handle himself in the post, but with time he could potentially be a defensive force. The right situation could have Saer Sene being selected late in the first round and left overseas for a year or two to refine his game.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Kosta Perovic: 7'2 242lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Perovic is another player who would have benefited greatly in coming out two or three years ago when his draft stock was at its highest. Considered a potential lottery pick in 2004, Perovic has struggled to find his niche in the Euroleague. Although he has struggled at times, there is always interest in 7-2 players that are only 21 years old. Perovic has increased his scoring each of his four seasons with Partizan Belgrade, culminating in an 11.7 point per game average this year. He has been proficient with his back to the basket, working inside and posting 11 games with 15 or more points scored. However, Perovic doesn't possess much range outside of the paint. And while he has a height advantage over most of his opponents, he lacks the strength to plow to the bucket for easy points. Perovic needs to work on his footwork and positioning for rebounds on both ends of the court. A player his size should not be averaging fewer than four rebounds per game as Perovic is. While Perovic was once projected as a lottery pick, perhaps even in the top 10, he now is looking at the mid-to- late second round. He will likely be left in Europe to continue to work on his game.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Yemi Nicholson: 6'11 260lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Nicholson had an impressive senior season, averaging 19.9 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting 60 percent from the floor. He was named the 2005 Sun Belt Conference player of the year, but some may question the level of competition he faced throughout his career. Nicholson does not run the floor well and conditioning is often an issue for him, but he is still a big man with skill whose size makes him intriguing. After starting off a little slow at the pre-draft Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, Nicholson came on strong defensively and in rebounding and was named to the All-Portsmouth second team. He averaged 11.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.7 blocks, but he shot only 39 percent from the floor in the tournament. Nicholson is not an impressive physical specimen lacking body tone, needing greatly to add muscle mass to help him maintain position in the paint. He still has a lot to learn, because he is not that experienced playing basketball. He only played one year in high school, then a year in junior college before three seasons at Denver. Nicholson averaged 18.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.0 blocks as a junior. Nicholson may one day be able to help an NBA team with his defense and rebounding ability. He had 15 double-doubles as a senior, but is still a project with promising but raw post moves. In a draft lacking big men, Nicholson could hear his name called in the second round.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Paul Miller: 6'10 250lb

SCOUTING REPORT: It is easy to say that Miller had a wildly successful senior season. He was named the Missouri Valley Conference player of the year and an honorable mention All-American after leading the Shockers to the conference title and to the Sweet 16 of the 2006 NCAA tournament. During the tournament run, Miller averaged 13.7 points and 8.0 rebounds. Miller scored a team-high 19 points in his first game at the pre-draft Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, but faded into the background during the other two games. For the tournament, he averaged 9.3 points and 4.0 rebounds. Defensively, he did not play well mainly because he lacks lateral quickness, and he seemed slow to the ball for rebounds. As a senior, Miller averaged 13.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and shot 51 percent from the floor. Although he has a little offensive versatility with a mid-range jumper and the ability to finish in transition, there are major defensive and rebounding questions about Miller. He only had six double-doubles in college and does not seem athletic enough to be a good defender at the NBA level.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Ryan Hollins: 7'0 225lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Hollins' lean frame for his height tells you he is not a very strong player, but he does possess impressive athletic ability for a 7-footer. He did not play much in college, and the 25.4 minutes he averaged as a sophomore was his career-high. A former high-jumper on UCLA's track team, his leaping ability and wingspan make him a raw project with upside. Hollins showed some of that potential in the 2006 NCAA tournament, where he averaged 10.7 points and 6.3 rebounds during the Bruins' run to the championship game. Most of his shots come on dunks or very close to the basket, but he is athletic enough to score on putbacks due to his hustle and quickness. Hollins is not fundamentally sound in the low post, but with some added bulk, he has the tools to improve. He also has shown the ability to hit an occasional 15-foot jumper. Hollins runs the floor extremely well and seems to be very well-conditioned. Defensively, his lack of weight causes him to struggle against more physical opponents. As a senior, Hollins averaged career highs of 7.0 points and 4.8 rebounds. He also shot 62 percent from the floor as a senior and 58-percent for his career. He made just 60 percent of his foul shots as a senior, not an impressive number for a 7-footer. While his college numbers are not impressive compared to other draftees, Hollins' height and athletic ability make him a possible second-round pick.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Eric Williams: 6'9 280lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Williams had his best season last year as a senior, but the Demon Deacons had a horrible one, going 17-17. After his junior year, Williams declared for the 2005 NBA draft, but withdrew to come back for his senior year when it seemed he might slip into the second round. Chris Paul left Wake Forest to star in the NBA, and Williams stepped up his game, averaging 16.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and shooting 62 percent from the field. However, Williams' stock is actually lower this time around. Although an obviously talented scorer in the paint with good footwork, the physically imposing and extremely strong Williams lacks the size to play center and lacks quickness to play forward at the NBA level. His lack of foot speed drags down his draft prospects, not his effort or production. He has a soft touch and can shoot a jump hook with either hand. Williams shot 57 percent from the field in his college career, but his shooting range is limited. Williams' skills would be ideal for the center position in the NBA if he were just a few inches taller. His plodding style makes him a poor defender and his rebounds come only extremely close to the basket. Although he works extremely hard, he would benefit by losing 20 pounds or so to improve his stamina and agility. His free-throw shooting declined to a horrid 49 percent last season after averaging over 60 percent his first three seasons. Williams has a great attitude and work ethic, but his draft prospects look bleak, even in a draft lacking quality big men. His best case scenario is being drafted late in the second round based on his college production.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Kevin Pittsnogle: 6'11 255lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Pittsnogle is clearly the best shooting big man in the draft. Despite being nearly 7-0, he can shoot the ball better than many guards from the outside. Pittsnogle has no conscience and will shoot from anywhere. As a senior, 227 of his 485 shot attempts were 3-pointers, and he made 91 of them at a 40 percent clip. Because of his height, he can get his jumper off against anyone and seems to shoot better with someone in his face. He averaged 19.3 points per game last season and recorded 16 games with 20 or more points, including two 30-point efforts. Although he is prolific from the outside, Pittsnogle actually has a few other offensive weapons, including a jump hook and a fadeaway jumper he likes to employ in the lane. He also often shoots 3-pointers fading away. Pittsnogle shot 86 percent from the free-throw line last season, but he only got to the line about three times a game because he's always on the perimeter. He knows how to move without the ball and how to utilize screens to get open for jumpers. The problem with Pittsnogle is on the defensive end. He lacks lateral quickness, and despite his always solid efforts, he will likely not be quick enough to defend anyone at the NBA level. His lack of quickness also stops him from beating anyone off the dribble. Pittsnogle is not a skilled rebounder or shot blocker, averaging 5.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks as a senior. But his effort cannot be questioned, and that showed especially last year in his conditioning. He averaged 36.0 minutes per game, up from his previous high of 26.6 minutes as a freshman. Scouts are not sure what position he will play in the NBA, but he's a mentally tough player who was, without a doubt, the emotional leader of the Mountaineers. His one-dimensional game and lack of foot speed will cause him to fall to the second round or go undrafted, but someone will want his shooting ability coming off their bench.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Paul Davis: 6'11 270lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Coming out of high school, there were high expectations for Davis, so high that many observers thought he would have no chance of staying all four years at Michigan State. Davis did stay all four years and because of how high the expectations were, some might say he was a disappointment. Davis admits that he did not learn to ignore the expectations and relax on the court until his senior season, and it showed in his play. As a senior, he enjoyed career-highs in points (17.5), rebounds (9.1), blocks (0.9) and free-throw percentage (87.0). Although questions remain about how his athleticism will translate to the NBA level along with his intensity, Davis' improvement on the court and the lack of quality big men in the draft should keep him in the first round. Davis is able to score with his back to the basket, and he also sports a trusty jumper, as his 57 percent shooting last season shows. For his college career, Davis shot 54 percent from the floor. Davis always hustles and grabs his share of rebounds. He had 15 doubles-doubles as a senior after recording 10 his junior year. Because he does not have good lateral movement, Davis is not a good defender and can get exploited in the post. He also is not a shot blocker, and at times commits silly fouls trying to guard quicker players. Because of Davis' ability to shoot, grab rebounds and his size, he will have every opportunity to play a long time in the NBA. However, do not expect overwhelming numbers from him. He seemed to disappear in games in college, and his lack of athleticism will cause that trend to continue in the pros.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Aaron Gray: 7'0 270lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Gray made huge strides in his play after Chris Taft left for the NBA draft following the 2004-05 season, averaging 13.9 points and 10.5 rebounds his junior season. He declared for the NBA draft but did not hire an agent. Gray is not a great athlete and has had weight problems in the past, but he is a legitimate 7-footer with great rebounding ability. As a sophomore, Gray only averaged 11.6 minutes his sophomore season but more than doubled that total to 27.9 minutes per game last season and had 18 double-doubles in 33 games. He uses his large frame well, scoring most of his baskets on jump hooks and putbacks. Gray is not a good leaper, but he averaged 1.5 blocks last season mostly due to his size and positioning. Gray shot 53 percent from the floor, but has trouble creating his own shot when opponents deny him position and must learn how to shield defenders better with his large body. He is still developing his outside shot and has yet to develop a soft touch. Gray is not a good athlete and lacks coordination. He will have problems scoring and defending against quicker, athletic players at the next level. Gray's size draws interest from NBA teams, but he is still a project because of his lack of extensive playing time in college. Gray showed potential last season with a 23-point, 12-rebound game against Connecticut and is a late first- or early second-round pick if he stays in the draft.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Patrick O'Bryant: 7'0 260lb

SCOUTING REPORT: After a solid freshman season in which he averaged 10 points and 7.4 rebounds, O'Bryant made a name for himself during his sophomore campaign, and some scouts consider him the top true center prospect in the draft. After serving an eight-game NCAA suspension for being paid for work he didn't perform, O'Bryant promptly posted 33 points and 30 rebounds in his first two games. He is a legitimate 7-footer and has a 7-foot-6 wingspan. While inconsistent, O'Bryant's domination of Pittsburgh's Aaron Gray in the second round of the NCAA tournament provided a glimpse of what the future may hold. In that second-round NCAA tournament game, O'Bryant abused Gray, also a potential first-rounder, for 28 points in Bradley's 72-66 upset of the Panthers. O'Bryant has enough post moves to be effective near the basket but is far from a finished product. He was an efficient shooter during his two years with the Braves, making more than 55 percent of his shots. While his defense will be his strongest asset his first few seasons, he can contribute offensively. O'Bryant's size and athleticism will make him an interesting prospect with an outside chance of being selected in the top 10 should he remain in the draft.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Cedric Simmons: 6'9 233lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Simmons made tremendous strides between his freshman and sophomore seasons with the Wolfpack, dramatically improving his numbers in all categories. He had a breakout game against Iowa in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge in late November, totaling 13 points, 13 rebounds, eight blocks and five assists -- all career highs at the time -- in a three-point loss. Simmons also had a big game at No. 1 Duke, scoring a career-high 28 points to go with nine rebounds and seven blocks. Simmons has a great amount of athletic ability for his size, and his reported wingspan of 7 feet, 4 inches makes him attractive defensively. He is extremely limited offensively, getting most of his points on putbacks and close-range shots. Despite his offensive limitations, Simmons improved his scoring average from 3.5 points to 11.8 points between his freshman and sophomore seasons. Simmons is a work in progress but has shown a willingness to improve. He improved his foul shooting percentage more than 13 points, going from 54.5 percent his freshman season to 67.8 percent last season. Though he barely ranked in the top 20 in the ACC in rebounding, Simmons played his best against elite opposition in the conference. In five games versus future top NBA picks Shelden Williams and Josh McRoberts of Duke, Craig Smith of Boston College and Tyler Hansbrough of North Carolina, Simmons averaged nearly 16 points. In a draft lacking true big men, raw athletes like Simmons are getting longer looks in the mid-first round than in past seasons. While he lacks the raw athleticism that LSU's Tyrus Thomas possesses, Simmons has plenty of potential and abilities suited for the pro game that can be developed over a longer period of time if a team is patient and willing.

  • NBA Draft Bio-James Augustine: 6'10 235lb

SCOUTING REPORT: High-percentage shooter is a great way to describe Augustine, considering he is the all-time leading shooter in Illinois history at 61.7 percent. An athletic left-hander, Augustine ran the floor well enough to receive plenty of passes from the speedy Dee Brown during his college career. Augustine has great hands to go along with solid footwork and the ability to consistently hit jumpers out to 18 feet. He has tremendously long arms but is not a shot-blocker. Augustine does not take over games, but averaged career highs of 13.6 points and 9.1 rebounds as a senior. Augustine's post game is still developing, but he does possess an effective left-handed jump hook. He has to get stronger to withstand NBA pounding, but he is athletic enough to succeed. His athleticism helped him post 12 double-doubles his senior season, and he has a high understanding of the game that allows him to always be in the right place. Augustine is the leading rebounder in Illinois history with 1,023 boards. For a big man, he handles the ball well and knows how to move without the ball. He is able to work the pick-and-roll after countless hours of practice with Brown Deron Williams and Luther Head while playing for Illinois. Instrumental in the Illini's run to the 2005 NCAA championship game, Augustine must work on his post moves in addition to the already solid perimeter skills. He is an intriguing prospect, because he is so athletic and runs the floor without issue. Augustine is projected as a second-round pick.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Vincent Grier: 6'5 200lb

SCOUTING REPORT: Grier played his first year of college at Charlotte before transferring to Minnesota. After sitting out a year, he averaged 17.9 points on 47 percent shooting his first year with the Gophers. That season, Grier scored 32 points in back-to-back games against Wisconsin and Northwestern. As a senior, Grier averaged 15.7 points and shot 43 percent from the floor. Grier is an athletic left-hander who is able to get to the basket and get his shot off after penetrating. His outside shooting, though, is a major weakness. Grier shot only 21 percent from 3-point range as a senior on just 24 shot attempts. He can beat most defenders off the dribble, but defenders quickly back off and dare him to shoot from the outside. At the pre-draft Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, Grier did not distinguish himself from the other players after averaging 11.3 points and 5.3 rebounds on 42 percent shooting in three games. Helped by his penchant for inside play, Grier is an effective offensive rebounder who scores frequently on putbacks. As a senior, he averaged 6.3 rebounds. Grier plays with same aggression on defense as he does on offense, averaging 2.3 steals per game as a senior. Although, he is a very good finisher, Grier's offensive game is very one-dimensional. His non-existent outside shooting does not bode well for his NBA prospects, but teams love his hustle. He will also have to tighten up his ball-handling in order to play the two-guard at the next level.

  • NBA Draft Bio-James White: 6'7 200lb

SCOUTING REPORT: White declared for the 2005 NBA draft, after averaging 10.2 points as a junior, but withdrew when he did not get a first-round guarantee. He enjoyed a solid senior season, averaging 16.3 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 49 percent from the field. White, who transferred from Florida after his freshman season, is extremely athletic and also was on Florida's track and field team. He often was able to dominate opponents with his athleticism, but White's jumper is questionable and he is not physically strong. White, though, grew more confident on the perimeter and he made 37 percent of his 3-point shots. He is also a good foul shooter, shooting 78 percent for his career. White is a solid ball handler and sometimes brought the ball up the floor for the Bearcats. He also led the Bearcats in assists his sophomore and junior seasons. White scored a career-high 32 points his senior season against Syracuse, making 5 of 10 from 3-point range. White seems to shy away from contact and did not add much muscle mass to his lean frame. Consistency has always been a knock on White, but he did score 15 or more points in 23 of 33 games last season. White has enough skills to battle for a roster spot at the end of a bench in the NBA or to star overseas but he is a late second-round pick at best.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Josh Boone: 6'10 237lb

SCOUTING REPORT: While few question Boone's potential to be an athletic force in the paint at the next level, many question his commitment to that potential. Boone's career has been up and down to say the least. After averaging 5.9 points and 5.8 rebounds in 22 minutes per game for the 2004 national champion Huskies, Boone improved to 12.4 and 8.4, respectively, as a sophomore. Eschewing the 2005 draft for the potential of being a top-10 pick in 2006, Boone, along with the entire Connecticut squad, finished a disappointing 2005-06 season with a regional final loss to George Mason in the NCAA tournament. Boone managed just six points and four rebounds against a severely undersized George Mason frontline. This performance capped off a roller-coaster junior campaign in which Boone recorded eight double-doubles but also had 10 games in which he scored seven or fewer. There is no questioning Boone's overall athletic ability. He is a deadly weapon in transition offense, with the ability to trail the play and finish on his own or following a teammate's miss. His long arms and frame made him a menace on the defensive end, blocking 2.2 shots per game over his career; including 22 games of four or more swats. Boone's ability to block shots and run the floor unlike any other big man reminds many of Chicago's Tyson Chandler or Samuel Dalembert of the 76ers. However, Boone lacks refined offensive skills in similar style to Chandler and Dalembert. If Boone decides to keep his name in the draft, he will likely land somewhere in the mid to late first round due to his potential.

  • NBA Draft Bio-Hilton Armstrong: 6'11 235lb
SCOUTING REPORT: Given extensive playing time for the firstt ime in his career, Armstrong averaged 9.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.1 blocks while playing 27.7 minutes per game. Armstrong clearly progressed nicely after not averaging more than 12.4 minutes in any of his first three seasons, but there is still a raw element to his game. However, big men with long arms who can run the floor and block shots will always make scouts look up from their notebooks. An athletic player, Armstrong is an explosive leaper who relishes rim-rocking slam dunks. He always hustles and plays with an enthusiasm that far too many big men seem to lack. Although he has good hands and catches the ball well, he averaged 2.3 turnovers his senior season. The rawest part of his game is on the offensive end, and he does not have any signature moves. Last season, he showed signs of developing a jump shot in the lane. But it seems in the NBA, at least in the beginning of his career, most of his baskets will come on hustle plays. Even though Armstrong is an excellent shot blocker, he has to work on staying grounded on pump fakes to stay out of foul trouble. Armstrong has shown he has solid rebounding skills. He had six games last season with 10 or more rebounds. With most of his baskets coming on the inside, Armstrong shot 61 percent last season. He also has promise as a foul shooter for a big man, shooting 69 percent his senior season. Against Quinnipiac last December, Armstrong scored a career-high 26 points on 11-of-14 shooting. Due to the lack of quality big men in the draft, Armstrong will likely be a late first- or early second-round pick. He has a lot to learn because of his inexperience, but he has some upside because of his athleticism and willingness to rebound and block shots. His mental toughness and confidence can be shaken easily, but as he plays more that should improve.



6/14/2006 09:34:00 PM | |

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