2006 Draft: "It's not like last year"

[Kings113]

"Villanova would take a significant hit if Lowry left. The Wildcats already are losing seniors Randy Foye, who is projected as a top-10 draft pick, and Allan Ray, who is a second-round selection in many mock drafts. Lowry, a Cardinal Dougherty High product, said he will not decide until after he meets with Villanova coach Jay Wright and Lowry's brother and mother."
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/14209365.htm
"If (Kyle Lowry) decides to jump, NBA scouts said, there is no doubt that a team would scoop him up. "Kyle is well regarded amongst NBA teams because of his tenacity and aggressive play," said one scout, who asked to remain anonymous. "I can't get over how he can destruct a game by himself. His stock rose tremendously this year."

"The main knock on Lowry, who loves driving to the hoop, is his shooting ability. Scouts said that the NBA would figure it could improve Lowry's jumper. "They like his upside," the same scout said. "They think his shot will get better."

"After several injuries, (Jason) Fraser has a questionable future as a pro. Wright said Fraser could work out and rehabilitate for a season, play in Europe, or test this season's draft."

On Kyle Lowry: "This whole perception from the public that guys aren't ready for the NBA, I say they may not be ready for the NBA, but they're ready for the draft," one Western Conference scout said. "All these guys who say Kyle needs to work on his shot, we know that. We're not drafting Kyle Lowry for right now. The motto for the NBA of today is you get better through free agency and you draft for the future. "Is he ready? No. He'll never get in a game next year. But he's a first-round pick."

"University of Miami junior guard Guillermo Diaz has decided to forgo his senior season and make himself eligible for the June 28 NBA Draft, sources said Tuesday. An announcement is expected as early as today. Diaz also has decided to sign with an agent, which means that he would not have the ability to change his mind and withdraw his name from the draft at a later date. Diaz is expected to sign with Miami-based agent Jason Levien, whose clients include Heat forward Udonis Haslem. Levien declined comment, and Diaz was unavailable."

"Early projections have Diaz being drafted anywhere from the second half of the first round to early in the second round. By signing with an agent, Diaz would be permitted to have teams cover his expenses when he travels to individual workouts."

"Though plenty can change between this weekend's Final Four and the April 29 deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NBA draft, (Joakim) Noah, forward Corey Brewer and center Al Horford all have said recently that they plan to return to Florida for their junior seasons. With senior Adrian Moss the only player guaranteed to depart, the trio's return could earn the Gators a preseason No. 1 ranking."

"Horford's father, Tito, told reporters Sunday that his son intended to return, and Brewer hinted Tuesday that he only would consider leaving if he could be assured that he'd be one of the top 10 players selected in the June 28 draft. Last month, he said that all four of Florida's sophomores - point guard Taurean Green is the fourth - intended to return and live together in an off-campus apartment."

"Only Brewer said an unexpected move up the draft board might sway his decision. But based on what he has heard, he expects to return. "I'm not going to be one of the top 10 picks," he said, "so I'm pretty sure I'm coming back."

"University of Alabama center Jermareo Davidson shocked more than a few observers of Crimson Tide basketball on Tuesday when he announced he would return for his senior season. "I gave it some careful thought and talked a lot about it with my mother, and we knew what was important," Davidson said in a university-issued statement. "I'm on track to graduate, and that's important to me and my family."

"Davidson was interested in evaluating his draft stock after averaging 14.3 points and 8.9 rebounds and earning first-team All-SEC honors as voted by the league's coaches. But the word among NBA scouts was Davidson could use another year of seasoning before trying to make the league."

"(Tyrus) Thomas probably is only about 6-8. (LaMarcus) Aldridge is much taller, and let's remember first we're not sure either is coming out. Thomas reminds scouts more of a Shawn Marion type athlete who can block shots, though not quite the power player of an Amare Stoudemire. The Bulls would like to have size along with Tyson Chandler and Aldridge fits that."

"My guess, in the end, if (the Bulls) have the No. 1 pick is they go for Florida's Joakim Noah, who has size, intangibles and the work ethic they admire. I don't see a great star in this draft, especially among the big men, so take a guy who can help right away and for a long time and who fits what you are trying to do."

"Morrison is the most intriguing figure in the draft. A month ago most everyone had him No. 1. You can see him going No. 1, if someone like Charlotte gets the pick and they want a scorer. You also can see him falling out of the top five with concerns being raised about what else he can do but score and who he'll guard in the NBA."

"Of the shooting guards, I like (Brandon) Roy and, like you, I'm not that high on (Rudy) Gay. He doesn't seem to impact the game much and big-time players have to do that at some level. It's why I had doubts last year about Marvin Williams. Big players make plays no matter who they play with. That's what the pros watch for. The problem is some get caught up in athletes too much and, in the end, you need basketball players."

"The last NBA game Joakim Noah saw in person could be his last one for some time. The Florida Gators 6-foot-11 sophomore star said Tuesday he plans to return to Gainesville next season, despite his rapid ascension up NBA Draft boards. A trip to the Final Four to face George Mason this weekend, coupled with a visit to Madison Square Garden last season to see the Knicks and New Jersey Nets, make the decision a no-brainer for Noah."

"I left in the middle of the game; it was boring," Noah recalled of the Knicks-Nets game. "It's a joke almost. Everything is slowed down — they play 85 or 82 games or whatever. "College is just so fun." Noah, 21, is in no rush to leave the college game behind, even if he could be drafted among the top five picks and lock up a guaranteed two-year contract worth more than $5 million."

"Fellow sophomores Al Horford and Corey Brewer have been projected to be top-20 picks. But Horford, a 6-foot-9 center, said he expects all three to return for another run at the Final Four in 2007."

"Noah is financially secure. His father, Hall of Famer Yannick Noah, earned millions playing tennis and now fills stadiums in Europe as a reggae pop star. Horford's and Brewer's financial situations are less clear."

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/14209365.htm

http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/sports/14210930.htm

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/14211299.htm

http://www.tbo.com/sports/MGBQDXI1DLE.html

http://www.al.com/sports/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/sports/1143627780184100.xml&coll=3

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/askthewriter/cs-060328asksamsmith,1,632622.story?page=1&coll=cs-bulls-headlines

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/content/sports/epaper/2006/03/29/a9c_ufnotes_0329.html


Great to hear about Diaz, he'll be a good pro.

 

[Gilles]

top ten prospects by position list: http://www.nbadraft.net/2006positional.aspI like Cedric Simmons a lot, but he's probably coming out in 2007.

No Chris Quinn among PGs when there are guys like Tim Smith, no Shawn James and they mention Ivan Chiriaev(is he their sponsor???), no Justin Williams among bigs and they mention Torin Fransis and others? These guys are not doing their best job.

 

[Kings113]

http://www.nbadraft.net/2006earlyentry.asp

 

[Kings113]

Florida Today - Joakim Noah, now a projected lottery pick, is gearing up for this weekend's Final Four and is deflecting the talk that he might bolt for the NBA early.

"I'm having the time of my life," Noah said. "Right now, I'm loving this. This is what it's all about. I know that people dream about going to the NBA, but it's a little different for me because I'm not one of those people who didn't have food on the table (growing up).

"The refrigerator was always full when I went home. I mean, I understand why people talk about it and that's my dream, but at the same time, is that what it's all about? I love my life right now and I love playing for Florida."

"It's definitely something you consider; that's a lot of hamburgers right there," Noah confessed. "But right now, if anybody on this team thought about the NBA at this point right now, that would be the most selfish and disappointing thing. I think it's something that I'll definitely talk about with my family and my coaches, but money doesn't buy happiness. That's the truth."

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060331/SPORTS/603310331/1002

 

[Kings113]

"Marcus Slaughter's problem is that he is a prototype at no position. He is a classic “tweener,” a basketball player who excels at the college level but projects poorly as a pro. In signing with an agent and deciding to forgo his senior year at San Diego State, Slaughter may have set himself up for a severe disappointment. Not because he isn't ready. But because he isn't right." SignOnSanDiego

On Marcus Slaughter: “He is a potential second-round pick, but definitely no better than that,” an NBA personnel director said yesterday on condition of anonymity. “He's making a mistake coming out and it's real easy why: He's a tweener. He's not physical enough to be a power forward in the league, and he doesn't have the skills or the shooting range to be a small forward. “There are a lot of guys like him, and most are better.” SignOnSanDiego

"In fact, some NBA scouts believe (Tyrus) Thomas, the athletic scorer and extraordinary shot-blocker, could be the first player selected if he declares. "I'm not worried about the NBA right now," Thomas said. "It's about the Final Four." Washington Post

"(Glen) Davis, 6-9, 310, also has helped his NBA stock during the NCAA tournament, averaging 20.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocked shots. There were concerns about Davis's weight and some scouts questioned whether he was tall enough to compete with NBA centers, or quick enough to guard forwards. He appears to have addressed both concerns in March." Washington Post

"(Joakim) Noah, the son of former tennis star Yannick Noah, said earlier this week that he is almost certain he will return to Florida next season, even though some NBA draft experts predict he could be among the first 15 chosen. "I really haven't thought about it," Noah said. "Right now, I'm loving it. This is what it's all about. People dream about going to the NBA, but it's a little different for me because I'm not a kid who didn't have food on his plate. The refrigerator was always pretty full when I went home. The NBA is definitely my dream, but at the same time, is that what it's all about? I don't think so. I love my life right now and I love playing for Florida." Washington Post

"Guard Corey Brewer, who was the most highly regarded player among Florida's sophomore class, is projected to be selected in the first round of the NBA draft, too." Washington Post

"If there was any debate about (Al) Horford's NBA potential, it should have ended with his stellar performance in the tournament. Forget his famous bloodlines and focus more on his prototype frame and the fact that Tito Horford's kid is already comfortable playing on the low block. The comparisons to Amare Stoudemire aren't as big a stretch as you might think, though Stoudemire was more explosive at the same stage." Atlanta Journal Constitution

"The verdict: Pro. And (Al Horford) should be a lottery pick when he decides to come out." Atlanta Journal Constitution

"With the success of the GW men's basketball team comes recognition and for GW basketball fans, it may bring anxiety. Junior Danilo (J.R.) Pinnock will declare for the NBA Draft, the guard told The Hatchet Thursday afternoon. Pinnock will file paperwork with the NBA that will make him eligible to participate in workouts with teams and play in the NBA-sponsored pre-draft camp in Orlando, Fla., from June 6-10." GW Hatchet

"The Georgia native (Pinnock) said he will not hire an agent and intends to return to GW for his senior year." GW Hatchet

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060331/news_1s31sullivan.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/30/AR2006033002189.html

http://www.ajc.com/friday/content/epaper/editions/friday/sports_44c26d48564df1cb004a.html

http://www.gwhatchet.com/media/storage/paper332/news/2006/03/30/Sports/Web-Update.Pinnock.To.Declare.For.Nba.Draft-1774313.shtml

 

[Venom]

Davis is still a first rounder, but he may want to spend another year at LSU to work on conditioning, athleticism, and more weight loss. Tyrus Thomas, on the other hand, probably cannot improve his stock with an additional year. He could certainly use more post moves and a better handle, but the NBA can teach that. He's a Top 3 guy right now.

 

[Kings113]

Shelden Williams named NABC defensive player of the year.

 

[Kings113]

Final Four stock watch: http://www.nbadraft.net/stockwatch027.asp

 

[Kings113]

http://www.nbadraft.net/2006earlyentry.asp

 

[Kings113]

Of all the competitors at the NCAA Final Four, Florida’s Joakim Noah [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]–[/FONT]the MVP in the Gators’ winning finale [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]–[/FONT] and LSU’s Tyrus Thomas have the brightest NBA futures. The only question is whether the active, entertaining swatters will start their pro career in 2006 or return to school for another season or two. The long, lean Noah reminds me of Andrei Kirilenko in physique, movement, so-so shot, and the ability to fill up the stats sheet. Like the Jazz star, he passes and handles the ball well, racks up points in the flow of the offense, is very easy to play with, and can guard multiple positions.
Yes, it wouldn’t hurt if Noah were stronger, but if he’s as smart as he seems to be he’ll ignore the frequently offered advice to bulk up. Wiry strong is fine, but basketball is a game of movement. What makes Noah special is his lightning quick reflexes and hops. (He’s not a skywalker, but he’s quick off his feet and has impeccable timing.) Noah’s role models should be Kirilenko, Marcus Camby, Shawn Marion, Larry Nance and Bill Russell [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]–[/FONT] splendid splinters who make (or made) a point of staying thin. The 220-pound Russell wouldn’t have been a 43-minute a game monster in his 13th and final season if he were lugging around a lot of extra weight.
Tyrus Thomas is going to be a great pro. It’s unfortunate that his first and perhaps only trip to the Final Four was ruined by an overly cautious coach and foul trouble, which limited him to 17 frustrating minutes in the most important game of his life. This is a constant for active big men in the NCAA, who often face the choice of playing all-out and risking spending half the game on the bench, or playing cautiously or (in Jai Lewis’s case) just one end of the floor to ensure 35 minutes of court time. Frankly, I’m sick of writing about the topic, but any league with a lick of sense will have a system of rules that makes it easy for good, clean players to play full-bore for a full game. There’s a long list of terrific power players whose trip to the Final Four was ruined by foul trouble. That shouldn’t affect Thomas’s top-five draft position, should he declare.
Like Noah, Thomas is a splendid swatter. He’s a more explosive leaper than Noah [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]–[/FONT] Thomas reminds me of Ben Wallace and Theo Ratliff [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]–[/FONT] and a better rebounder. He might challenge Jeff Foster and Reggie Evans in the annual rebounds-per-minute race. Thomas looks to be a work in progress on offense, which is what one expects of a red-shirt freshman. But he’s quick to the hoop and appears to have a decent stroke that will only get better. He’ll be a factor at both ends of the court.
Thomas’s teammate Glen “Big Baby” Davis is leaning toward returning to LSU. He should. Right now he’s a borderline NBA prospect. I’m not sure he has the quickness to be a force in the league, even if he drops 30-40 pounds and gets in great shape. But that’s what he needs to do to give himself a chance.
Al Horford, another Gator sophomore with a knack for blocking shots, has the potential to be a starting NBA power forward down the road. But he’d be wise to stay at Florida at least another season. He appears to
have more raw talent than another Gator who’s already proven himself at the pro level [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]–[/FONT] Udonis Haslem.
Wing man Corey Brewer looks to be cut from the same cloth as Josh Howard and Marquis Daniels. He should follow their lead and stay in school. (None of the Gator underclassmen, Noah included, would be hurt by another year of coaching by Billy Donovan and his staff, who obviously excel at player development, given the performance especially of the sophomore class.)
I wouldn’t write off Jai Lewis just yet. As noted above, he plays passive defense by design: to keep his big backside on the court. It was a good strategy for George Mason, but it makes it hard to evaluate his pro potential. His great hands excite NFL scouts, who see him as a tight end prospect. But if the NBA is not in his future, the likely flaw will be a lack of defensive mobility and quickness.
UCLA’s Jordan Farmar is a sleek, complete point guard who looks just as comfortable at off guard. He reminds me of Kirk Hinrich, though he’s not yet an NBA-quality shooter and probably can’t match Kirk’s lateral quickness. That could be a problem at the NBA’s quickest position, whether he leaves school now or, if he’s smart, later. He might find his niche in the NBA as a combo guard off the bench [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]–[/FONT] or overseas as a crowd-pleasing scoring point guard a la Mike D’Antoni. Farmar might find the latter much more satisfying than a career playing garbage-time minutes in the NBA.

http://www.hoopshype.com/columns/four_hans2.htm

 

[Kings113]

"Randy Foye has taken the first step toward an NBA career. The Villanova senior has chosen Steven Heumann, of Entersport Management, to represent him. Heumann is part of the Connecticut-based sports agency owned by Marc Fleisher that counts San Antonio's Tony Parker and Utah's Andrei Kirilenko among its clients."

"There's definitely an interest in Randy and he's very highly regarded," said Heumann, who added that Foye has not decided if he will participate in the predraft camp in Orlando in June. "But we don't even know what underclassmen are coming out yet. It's hard right now to figure out where anyone is going, but there's no doubt that he'll be a high pick."

"Don't be surprised if the Magic try to trade their lottery draft pick for a veteran shooting guard. They don't need to get any younger. Might the Memphis Grizzlies be tempted to deal and send back Mike Miller?"

"Kentucky guard Rajon Rondo has called a news conference for today to announce he will enter this year's NBA Draft, UK Coach Tubby Smith said yesterday. Rondo and Smith will make a joint announcement at Memorial Coliseum. Before the announcement, Smith planned to meet with Rondo to advise him not to hire an agent."

"He's not got an agent yet," Smith said. By not hiring an agent, Rondo can preserve the option of returning to UK next season. Today's Rondo-Smith announcement will stand in stark contrast with Randolph Morris' decision to enter last year's draft. Morris famously used a fax to let the UK coach know of his intention."

"Asked about speculation that he would leave for the NBA following his season, the 6-foot-11 (Joakim) Noah responded: "The NBA can't do this. The NBA doesn't match this. We're champions." Florida now has a basketball championship to match its football title of 1996, and its first national title in a sport since women's tennis in 2003. In the process, Florida made up for a 2000 national title loss to Michigan State in the same building."

http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/sports/14257721.htm

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-magcon0406apr04,0,5346586.column?page=2&coll=orl-magic

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/sports/basketball/14257377.htm

http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060404/GATORS02/60404008/-1/sports

 

[Kings113]

Texas sophomore center LaMarcus Aldridge has spoken with coach Rick Barnes about entering the NBA Draft, and as a result of their conversation, Aldridge is making inquiries about agents.
Aldridge has not formally entered his name into the NBA Draft pool, and even if he does, he could return to school if he maintains his eligibility. However, signing with an agent would be an irreversible move into professional basketball.
Aldridge, whom Texas lists at 6-foot-10 but who is closer to 7-0, averaged 15 points and 9.2 rebounds for the 30-7 Longhorns. He would become a candidate for the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, depending on which teams wins the lottery and which other early entrant candidates -- Florida's Joakim Noah? -- go into the draft.
Even without Aldridge, Texas would enter next season as a likely preseason top five team assuming junior P.J. Tucker and sophomore Daniel Gibson -- neither of whom is a certain first-round pick -- return. Aldridge's position would be filled ably by 6-10 freshman Kevin Durant, the most impressive player at last week's McDonald's All-American game.

http://www.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/9357436

 

[Kings113]

"Pitt center Aaron Gray is considering the possibility of entering the NBA draft. But he said Tuesday that he won't hire an agent, which would afford him the option to return to school for his senior year. "I'm just gathering information," said Gray, who was voted the most improved player in the Big East conference this season after leading the league in rebounding and finishing finishing as the only player to average a double-double (13.9 ppg., 10.5 rpg.)."

"Back from the NCAA Finals, Florida alum David Lee said it will be difficult for buddy Joakim Noah to resist turning pro. Asked to describe his feelings about his former teammates' triumph, Lee said, "It was like I set the table, but I didn't eat from it."

"Michigan State senior basketball player Paul Davis has signed with agent Bill Duffy, whose client include Tayshaun Prince, Yao Ming, Carmelo Anthony and Steve Nash. Davis' father, Joe Davis, said his son will attend the NBA predraft camp in Orlando in June for a physical, but not to compete."

"From all indications at this point, "Paul is definitely a first-round pick," Joe Davis (father) said."

"Then, the subject of whether he would leave Florida for the NBA Draft was broached. "Right now, let us enjoy this," (Joakim) Noah said. "We're going to go really hard tonight, just enjoy this and then maybe in a couple of weeks I'll think about it."

"An NBA pre-draft trainer, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said three teams have inquired about working out Noah as the top overall pick. Another NBA scout said Noah would likely go in the top three if he decides to leave. Underclassmen have until April 28 to declare for the NBA Draft. They can declare without hiring an agent and pull their names back by June 18 and return to Gainesville."

"Some N.B.A. scouts consider (Al) Horford a better prospect than Noah. Horford, a beefy 242-pound forward, had foul trouble in the title game and still managed to stand out, scoring 14 points and grabbing 7 rebounds in 24 minutes."

"(Horford's) body is more N.B.A.-ready than Noah's, and he has a skill, rebounding, that translates immediately at the next level. Horford would probably not be a top-10 pick, however, and he has been presented with cautionary tales about early entry via the N.B.A. draft."

"(Corey) Brewer said there was a 10 percent chance he would leave. He developed a reputation as a defensive stopper in the Final Four by shutting down George Mason's Tony Skinn and U.C.L.A.'s Arron Afflalo. But with only 185 pounds on his 6-8 frame and an inconsistent jump shot, Brewer needs time to become stronger."

"Noah will be tempted by the draft, in which he could be the No. 1 pick because of his multiple skills, even though he is still maturing physically. For now, he has told friends in the city he is definitely coming back. He seems to enjoy the college experience and the theatrics and drama of big games."

"Noah even put a move on UCLA's fabled dance team, long-standing headliners in this event. "They were talking a lot of trash," Noah said. "They were talking crazy - 'You're UGLY!' It was hard, so many beautiful girls telling you you're ugly." Noah just winked in their direction and kept doing damage."

"Noah, guard Corey Brewer and centre Al Horford, all sophomores, are the top three NBA prospects from Florida and only the son of former tennis pro Yannick Noah is considered a top 10 pick. "I don't think anybody's ready to leave yet," Florida's Chris Richard said after the championship game. "Everybody loves each other and we want to come back and try to repeat."

"Many league and basketball sources think Colangelo has great interest in 7-foot forward Andrea Bargnani and he's precisely the kind of prospect who could fall out of the top four if Noah enters the draft."

"Guard Rajon Rondo is putting his name in the NBA Draft ... and unlike former Kentucky teammate Randolph Morris, he's not coming back. Rondo announced yesterday that he intends to hire an agent to help him prepare for the draft in June. Hiring an agent will make Rondo ineligible for any future college competition."

"His former high school coach and current adviser, Doug Bibby, applauded the idea of hiring an agent as a way to ensure Rondo gets the best opportunity to make an NBA team next season. "When you test the waters, you put a decent foot forward," Bibby said. "When you go all the way, especially for him knowing he'll be a first-round pick -- well, no one knows for sure, but it looks that way -- you get the best workouts, the best diets, the best people around you."

"Rondo is expected to retain Bill Duffy, an agent who represents such former UK players as Tayshaun Prince and Chuck Hayes."

"Louisiana Tech forward Paul Millsap, the first player to lead the nation in rebounding three consecutive years, said Tuesday he will forego his final year of eligibility to enter the 2006 NBA Draft. In a prepared statement, the junior said he is entering the NBA to help his mother "enjoy the life she deserves."

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/college/s_440297.html

http://www.nypost.com/sports/knicks/64009.htm

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060405/SPORTS0202/604050353/1004/SPORTS

http://www.gatorsports.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060405/GATORS02/60405001

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/05/sports/ncaabasketball/05men.html

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/story/405953p-343714c.html

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1144187412541&call_pageid=968867503640&col=970081593064&t=TS_Home

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/sports/14266193.htm

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/cbasketball/2060AP_BKC_La_Tech_Millsap.html

 

[SacTownKid]

I wouldn't mind Horford. I am just really unsure about Noah. I am almost positive that he'll enter, but I think he is a long ways away from developing.

 

[Gilles]

I'm kinda lazy to check if this is already posted but there's a link in hoopshype's rumour section that Kings are supposedly interested in private workout with Christian Maraker, PF from Pacific, who had a very good game in NCAA Tourney where his team lost in the first round to Boston College as a №13 seed if I remember it correctly and he played very well against Craig Smith both on offense and defense. Draftexpress consider him as a mid-second round pick right now. He's solid defensive rebounder, likes to play in the post but is soft on offense(like Reef with lower talent). Despite playing the post he is really poor off. rebounder. Not sure what his team defense is but his shotblocking is non-existing.

 

[BMiller52]

I'm sure Petrie wouldn't take Maraker with our first round pick. We don't have a 2nd round pick though, so how would we get him?


I REALLY hope Randy Foye drops down to us though. He's perfect for the kings, an offensive spark plug that is a tough defender(and he is a good shooter). If not maybe we'll get Horford or Shelden Williams, they'd be perfect for our team too.

 

[Kings113]

Draft Buzz

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Marcus WIlliams
[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]AP Photo[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Sources told NBADraft.net Thursday that UConn Huskies point guard Marcus Williams will soon declare for the 2006 draft and sign with agent Bill Duffy, forfeiting his senior season of eligibility.

Williams played well in his junior year and especially in the tournament averaging 20 points and 8.8 assists and hit a number of clutch shots. But he was unable to lift the Huskies over the Cinderella George Mason team and fell in the Elite Eight.

On the year he averaged 12.3 ppg and 8.6 apg after missing the first month and a half of the season due to his (laptop theft involvement) suspension.

Williams is considered a likely mid-first rounder with a chance to move into the lottery (top 14 picks) with good workouts.

Scouts biggest concerns about Williams center around his lack of foot speed defensively, lack of range shooting the ball and character (due to the off court troubles).

Also signing with Bill Duffy will be Rajon Rondo, another of the top point guards available for this year's draft. His decision to enter the draft and sign with an agent has been questioned by some, and though it would probably have been smart to test the process first before signing an agent, most scouts feel confident Rondo is squarely in the first round due to his off the charts quickness and athleticism.

Rondo lacks a great perimeter shot, and many feel he would be best served to return to Kentucky to work on his shot and become a more complete point guard. But there have been many players who have listened to the pundits, returned to college, and had sub-par seasons and seen their once first round stock fall due to a diminished perceived level of potential. [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]

So in light of that, Rondo's decision should not be second-guessed. He has made the decision to give up his amateur status and become a professional, and he'll live with it. The notion that players damage their careers by turning pro early is not shared by everyone, and is different in every case. Rondo's shot will likely improve similarly on the college or pro level. His confidence may suffer by not being as "NBA ready" initially, however many seniors are not ready for the transition to the NBA game.

The situation Rondo lands in, as with all players, will have a big effect on his success. Rondo's work habits are in his hands and after two years of college ball, he's got a solid foundation of skills to work from for the next level.

Also expected to sign with Duffy is Michigan St. senior bigman Paul Davis. Davis averaged 17.5 pts and 9.1 rebs in a breakout senior season and is considered a bubble first round pick.

Kansas freshman small forward Brandon Rush is thinking about testing the draft process again. Remember Rush tested the process last year and had a solid performance at the Chicago Predraft camp. He is in a unique position with the ability to test the process for a second time due to the NBA's rule, which allows high schoolers that have tested before an additional withdrawal.

Rush considers himself a lottery pick right now. But NBA scouts NBADraft.net spoke to say he's a bubble first rounder at best.

NBADraft.net also learned that Bradley center Patrick O'Bryant is pondering a return to school. O'Bryant is considered one of the top center prospects in the college game and due to his potential is a likely mid first rounder. But another season of college basketball, working on his body and game would be beneficial to him and he will have a shot to move into mid-lottery level for the 2007 draft.
[/FONT]

http://www.nbadraft.net/draftbuzz052.asp

Not too much of a surprise about O'Bryant, mostly what it's been with him anyways.

 

[Gilles]

Boone is declaring without signing an agent. Rudy and Marcus are expected in a few days and probably will hire agents. PJ Tucker and Aaron Gray are also expected without signing agents, Aldridge is looking for an agent right now. DraftExpress mentioned that Boone may return to school if "he's not Top-10". Hope he doesn't have that high opinion of himself and will stay with promise in teens.

 

[Kings113]

Horford/Noah/Brewer, all have said they will return to school for next season. Seems close to official now that it was on the ESPN ticker today.

 

[TheRaven]

I'm sure Petrie wouldn't take Maraker with our first round pick. We don't have a 2nd round pick though, so how would we get him?


I REALLY hope Randy Foye drops down to us though. He's perfect for the kings, an offensive spark plug that is a tough defender(and he is a good shooter). If not maybe we'll get Horford or Shelden Williams, they'd be perfect for our team too.

There is a chance that Maraker would drop out of the 2nd round. Then we could sign him for summer league, for training camp, or to a contract if they think he is good enough. So the Kings may just be checking him out in case that were to happen.

 

[Kings113]

Hartford Courant - UConn junior Josh Boone announced today that he will enter his name into the 2006 NBA Draft, but will not hire an agent, which allows the possibility of withdrawing his name and returning to UConn for the 2006-07 men's basketball season.

"Over the last three years at Connecticut, I have played with, and against, the highest level of competition in college basketball. I feel now is the time for me to explore the option of testing my basketball skills against the best players in the world," Boone said. "I realize this will require a great deal of hard work on my part, but believe that I am prepared for the challenge of playing in the NBA."

http://www.courant.com/sports/college/husky/men/hc-boone-nba,0,5734222.story

 

[Kings113]

http://www.nbadraft.net/profiles/mouhamedsene.asp

Not projected for this years draft yet, but next year... had 15 pts and 9 blocks today in the Nike Hoops Summit USA vs. World game. This kid has wicked long arms, and is pretty well built, also has some personality/emotion to him. The 9 blocks are a new record for the NHS.

edit: had to add three to the 6 blks he had when I originally posted, as there was like 1:40 left.

 

[Kings113]

By [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Nick Prevenas[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
4/8/06[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For the past six months, I have sequestered myself in a one-room shack, surrounded only by half-empty pizza boxes, Red Bull, stacks of basketball publications and my trusty laptop. I have searched the universe for the key to unlock the mysteries hidden deep within the NBA draft, hoping to find basketball salvation along the way.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Today, I emerge three months before the 2006 draft to share my findings with you. If we follow these three laws, we can help usher the NBA into a new golden age.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](Actually, that's not true. I'm just tired of hearing people make the NBA draft more complicated than it is. These draft guidelines are essentially common sense, but I guarantee over half of NBA General Managers would never think of this stuff. Anyways, good to be back.)[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Charlie VIllanueva
AP Photo/Ty Russell[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1) Draft players who play hard.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]This rule is more important than the next two put together. Anyone who has effort issues in college or high school likely won't succeed when faced with the rigors of an 82-game NBA season.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Occasionally, a player like Charlie Villanueva will coast through a couple years of college, then after listening to nearly every national media outlet ridicule a team for selecting him, he decides to exert maximum effort and play himself onto the All-Rookie First Team.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]But for every Charlie V that proves the doubters wrong (and let the record show, he's been outstanding this season), there are dozens of Darius Miles/Chris Wilcox-types driving basketball fans crazy with unfulfilled expectations and wasted talent.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Every year, a talented player will underachieve during what is supposed to be his breakout season, but since he's so athletically gifted, he can make up for his below-average production with a few jaw-dropping open workouts. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]There's only one problem with this. Last I checked, the NBA doesn't hand out championship trophies for the vertical leap, the shuttle run or the 185-pound bench press.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]If a player cannot play with full effort with a multi-million dollar contract over the horizon, what convinces a General Manager that he will play harder when the player is making guaranteed money?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Take the Rudy Gay/Adam Morrison debate, for example. Clearly, Gay is one of the most athletically impressive draft prospects in years. There's nothing he can't do on a basketball floor. If he plays to his potential, he could make multiple All-Star teams. But he has the maddening tendency of disappearing during his team's biggest possessions. During this past season, UConn's most talented player mailed it in far too often for someone in the running to be the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]On the other hand, Morrison is not blessed with ideal athleticism and quickness for the NBA game. He will likely struggle to get enough separation between himself and defenders like Bruce Bowen or Tayshaun Prince to get a clear look at the basket. But Morrison has made the most of his abilities to become one of the most memorable college basketball players of his generation. Nobody will forget Morrison's emotional display after his Gonzaga Bulldogs collapsed against the UCLA Bruins during this season's tournament. To a player like Morrison, giving anything less than your full effort is a fate worse than death.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Now, I'm not going to pretend like I know who will make the better pro. Just ask yourself this question: Which player would fit in better with the Detroit Pistons or the San Antonio Spurs? The athletic marvel with the questionable desire or the pathologically competitive scoring machine? Potential or production?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Call me crazy, but I think Player No. 2 has a better chance of contributing to a championship-caliber team.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2) Draft players who excel at crunch-time.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In the 2003 NCAA tournament, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade were the breakout stars. Anthony led his Syracuse Orangemen to the national title while Wade threw his Marquette Golden Eagles on his back and brought them to the Final Four. However, Pistons' General Manager Joe Dumars (one of the best in the business) drafted Serbian workout wonder Darko Milicic over both players.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In that same draft, ACC Player of the Year Josh Howard slipped to the No. 30 slot, while Ndudi Ebi, Zoran Planicic and Mickael Pietrus all heard their names called before Howard's.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In the 2004 draft, Jameer Nelson and Delonte West, the starting backcourt for a remarkable St. Joseph's squad, both fell to the second half of the first round, while players like Dorell Wright and Pavel Podkolzine were taken ahead of them.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]These are just a handful of examples of NBA General Managers passing over proven commodities to take players who have never proven themselves in any pressure situations.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]I know this might sound strange, but I find it more impressive when a player lifts his team to victory on the biggest stage available than when a prospect excels during a shooting drill with nobody guarding him. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]If a player has a habit of making big, momentum-changing plays during the crucial sequences of a basketball game, odds are those habits will follow him to the NBA.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For example, Florida's Joakim Noah seems to make more huge plays than anyone else currently playing at the college level. Very few players can have such a drastic impact on a game without taking a shot. He said he plans to return to school to defend the Gators' national championship, but one can be certain that his knack for the big play will make him a valuable addition to any NBA franchise.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Randy Foye is another player who seems to make a ridiculous amount of big plays. The Villanova guard is the type of player who has the rare ability to elevate his teammates' crunch-time abilities. There's no doubt in my mind that Foye will be a major contributor for a title-contender.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]3) Swingmen do not win championships. Centers and quality point guards do.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The 2005 draft featured one of the most inexplicable selections in recent memory. The Atlanta Hawks held the draft's No. 2 selection. Their roster featured 2004 first-round selections Josh Childress and Josh Smith, Al Harrington, and new addition Joe Johnson. They hadn't had a serviceable point guard since Jason Terry.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Wake Forest All-American Chris Paul was sitting in the green room, ready to put on an Atlanta Hawks cap. Instead, David Stern called the name of a raw, unproven small forward from North Carolina, Marvin Williams, giving Atlanta five players that did not fill their biggest roster gap.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]This is nothing against Williams, but his best season will never be as good as Paul's rookie year.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Hawks' pick is merely an example of a larger problem. Many General Managers mistakenly believe that 6-foot-8 multi-tool prospects are the keys to winning in the NBA. Let's face it, these super-athletic swingmen are a dime-a-dozen (well, to adjust for the NBA's inflation rate, move that decimal in front of that time about eight spots to the left).[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Small forward is the easiest position to fill in today's NBA. But the teams that have a chance to contend for the title every season either have a dominant big-man or an elite point guard (sometimes both).[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The value of a big-man is obvious. There simply aren't very many 7-footers with the requisite hand-eye coordination to dominate at the NBA level.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]But far too many people underestimate the value of a pass-first guard who can set up the offense, play defense, identify his team's best match-ups and act like a coach on the floor.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In this year's draft, far too many teams will pass on UConn's Marcus Williams, but he will be a more valuable component to a successful franchise than the plethora of swingmen available. Granted, Williams has to prove that he possesses the maturity and discipline necessary to play in the league, but his point guard skills are unquestioned.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Fans might like the high-flying dunks a supremely athletic 3-man can bring to a team's highlight reel, but unless he ends up being one of the all-time greats, he is interchangeable.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]There you have it. Three exceedingly simple rules that, when followed, will undoubtedly result in draft success.
[/FONT]

http://www.nbadraft.net/prevenas064.asp

Very nice read, and I basically agree with all of it.

 

[Kings113]

http://www.nbadraft.net/profiles/mouhamedsene.asp

Not projected for this years draft yet, but next year... had 15 pts and 9 blocks today in the Nike Hoops Summit USA vs. World game. This kid has wicked long arms, and is pretty well built, also has some personality/emotion to him. The 9 blocks are a new record for the NHS.

edit: had to add three to the 6 blks he had when I originally posted, as there was like 1:40 left.

http://www.hoopshype.com/draft.htm

Kinda surprised to see they have Sene in there, cool thing is they have him going to us.

 

[Gilles]

Sene is very raw and some european scouts claim he's at least 22 and he's a poor rebouinder right now, though he's a good project, especially on D.

BTW great article from draftexpress "Eight Common Profiles of a Bust":http://draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=37

 

[Kings113]

Doubt he's a bad rebounder, from what I've seen and read.

 

[Gilles]

Doubt he's a bad rebounder, from what I've seen and read.

I meant he doesn't have technique or sense when to sore for rebound as he's an outstanding leaper and also he goes for blocks leaving his man free to rebound. Don't know I just feel that he's more of Ratliff(excellent shot-blocker, average rebounder, especially defensive) than Mutombo(excel at both blocking and rebounding)

 

[Kings113]

Okay, but I don't think that's unteachable.

 

[Kings113]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Sources told NBADraft.net Tuesday that North Carolina State bigman Cedric Simmons will declare for the draft and sign with agent Bill Duffy. No word on when the announcement will be made, but it appears imminent.

Simmons is one of the most athletic bigmen in the country. His agility and quickness in transition make him a tremendous prospect.

Considered a virtual lock first rounder, Simmons is seen by scouts to have a good chance to be a lottery pick with positive workouts. He's still raw offensively, but is showing nice touch around the basket and improved offensive skills to go along with his tremendous athleticism, rebounding and defense.

Simmons averaged 11.8 points and 6.3 rebounds as a sophomore. His statistics were limited by minutes (27 per game) and NC State's conservative offensive style.

Cedric finished the year with 2.5 blocks per game and will be a presence on the defensive end on the next level with his great timing and 7'4" wingspan.

This is turning into a huge year for Duffy as he has already landed Marcus Williams, Rajon Rondo, Marco Killingsworth, Allen Ray, Paul Davis, Brandon Bowman, Nik Caner-Medley, Vincent Grier and now Simmons.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]

http://www.nbadraft.net/draftbuzz053.asp

http://www.nbadraft.net/profiles/cedricsimmons.asp

I really got to like this kid this past season from seeing a few NC St. games. Up to now it was going to be he'd come out in 2007. Draft just (likely) got better... I would definitely dig Sac drafting him.

 

[Gilles]

2Kings113: I see your list now contains only bigmen.
As to Cedric Ken Pomeroy's data indicates he's not a good rebounder collecting less than 14% of available rebounds and his partners are even worse so you cannot say that they take boards away from him(something you can say about Boone). All elite college rebounders have 20+%.
His shot-blocking is solid though.
I'm not exactly sure he's the right guy to draft. He seems like two-three years away from contributing.