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McGee works out for the Kings
The son of ex-Monarch Pam can't wait for the draft.
By Melody Gutierrez - mgutierrez@sacbee.com
Last Updated 12:58 am PDT Saturday, June 21, 2008
Story appeared in section, Page C1
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Monarchs banners hung from the rafters, and for that JaVale McGee admitted it was surreal to be at the Kings' practice facility Friday for a predraft workout.
With sweat hanging from his forehead, McGee said he will head home in anticipation of Thursday's NBA draft. The Nevada center, who averaged 14.1 points and 7.3 rebounds last season, has put in 11 team workouts across the country since declaring in March that he would leave college after his sophomore season.
He is projected as a first-round pick.
"It was a good experience," McGee, 7 feet and 240 pounds, said of his predraft workouts. "It's just fun, jumping from city to city - room service and all."
McGee is the son of former Monarch Pam McGee, who coached one season at Sacramento High School before resigning last month to help prepare her son for the draft.
"I'm going to be excited when the draft comes," the younger McGee said. "I'm waiting for that day."
So are the Kings, who have seen an estimated 50 prospects and have two remaining workouts scheduled, Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie said. The Kings will have the 12th overall pick in the draft and two second-round selections.
Joining McGee on Friday were Ohio State center Kosta Koufos, Virginia point guard Sean Singletary, Oregon small forward Malik Hairston, Virginia Tech small forward Deron Washington and Fresno State guard Kevin Bell.
"They are like all the guys we've had in here," Petrie said. "We try to get a good cross section of their skill level and their position and how they play."
Petrie said his focus at the workout is to look at specific parts of each player's skill level, determine how well they absorb information and evaluate their size and height. While scouting reports and footage account for most of Petrie's final decision, he said seeing the players in person typically factors in about 20 percent.
So, what did he make of McGee and his 7-foot-6 wingspan?
"When you look at his length and his overall potential to develop, I think that's what people see there," Petrie said. "He still needs to grow as a player, but there is talent there."
McGee said he will not look at mock drafts while waiting for Thursday's decision day.
"I don't really look at those things, because sometimes they have me at 20, and the next day they have me at 10," said McGee, who recently sparked confusion in Toronto after missing a workout because of passport issues.
Toronto newspapers reported there were other factors regarding his no-show, including a claim that Pam McGee would not allow her son to work out with teams picking lower than 12th in the draft.
JaVale McGee said he had not heard that report, and the only reason he couldn't make the workout was, "I don't have a passport."
The son of ex-Monarch Pam can't wait for the draft.
By Melody Gutierrez - mgutierrez@sacbee.com
Last Updated 12:58 am PDT Saturday, June 21, 2008
Story appeared in section, Page C1
Print | E-Mail | Comments (0)|
Monarchs banners hung from the rafters, and for that JaVale McGee admitted it was surreal to be at the Kings' practice facility Friday for a predraft workout.
With sweat hanging from his forehead, McGee said he will head home in anticipation of Thursday's NBA draft. The Nevada center, who averaged 14.1 points and 7.3 rebounds last season, has put in 11 team workouts across the country since declaring in March that he would leave college after his sophomore season.
He is projected as a first-round pick.
"It was a good experience," McGee, 7 feet and 240 pounds, said of his predraft workouts. "It's just fun, jumping from city to city - room service and all."
McGee is the son of former Monarch Pam McGee, who coached one season at Sacramento High School before resigning last month to help prepare her son for the draft.
"I'm going to be excited when the draft comes," the younger McGee said. "I'm waiting for that day."
So are the Kings, who have seen an estimated 50 prospects and have two remaining workouts scheduled, Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie said. The Kings will have the 12th overall pick in the draft and two second-round selections.
Joining McGee on Friday were Ohio State center Kosta Koufos, Virginia point guard Sean Singletary, Oregon small forward Malik Hairston, Virginia Tech small forward Deron Washington and Fresno State guard Kevin Bell.
"They are like all the guys we've had in here," Petrie said. "We try to get a good cross section of their skill level and their position and how they play."
Petrie said his focus at the workout is to look at specific parts of each player's skill level, determine how well they absorb information and evaluate their size and height. While scouting reports and footage account for most of Petrie's final decision, he said seeing the players in person typically factors in about 20 percent.
So, what did he make of McGee and his 7-foot-6 wingspan?
"When you look at his length and his overall potential to develop, I think that's what people see there," Petrie said. "He still needs to grow as a player, but there is talent there."
McGee said he will not look at mock drafts while waiting for Thursday's decision day.
"I don't really look at those things, because sometimes they have me at 20, and the next day they have me at 10," said McGee, who recently sparked confusion in Toronto after missing a workout because of passport issues.
Toronto newspapers reported there were other factors regarding his no-show, including a claim that Pam McGee would not allow her son to work out with teams picking lower than 12th in the draft.
JaVale McGee said he had not heard that report, and the only reason he couldn't make the workout was, "I don't have a passport."
