Danny Fortson

[Tim Nault <rnault@ptialaska.net>]

This was taken for Nando.Net (http://www.nando.net)


Fortson demonstrating he is more than power player


(c) 1997 Copyright Nando.net
(c) 1997 Associated Press

CINCINNATI (Jun 10, 1997 - 20:03 EST) -- The days are dwindling to the
June 25 NBA draft, and with them the number
of chances Danny Fortson has to show what kind of a player he truly is.

The former University of Cincinnati star visited the Vancouver Grizzlies
Tuesday for a pre-draft workout, just as he has
worked out for several other teams. He will likely have a busy next two
weeks showing his wares for interested teams.

The first order of business is showing that he is more than just a
6-foot-8 muscleman under the hoop. In his workouts, he
will try to show teams that he has the range and quickness to be more
than a small power forward.

"Everybody was thinking I'm 6-5, 6-4, couldn't shoot past the free-throw
line," Fortson said. "I knew that was going out."

In workouts with the Cleveland Cavaliers and New Jersey Nets, he showed
a mix of center strength and forward skills.

Neither the Cavs nor Nets spent much time looking at Fortson's ability
to score inside, instead asking that he step to the
3-point line and prove he can hit 20-foot jumpers.

A number of pro personnel experts, including vice president Billy Knight
of the Indiana Pacers, question whether Fortson
can consistently shoot outside, although he often operated on the
perimeter toward the end of his three-year career with the
Bearcats.

Others, such as New Jersey coach John Calipari, believe Fortson can
overcome those doubts.

"I like Dan. I think he would add a toughness and an effort level," New
Jersey coach John Calipari said. "Obviously, there
are question marks in the pro people's minds, but he's always stepped
beyond that. I think he's matured a ton as a person
and he's matured on the court, even though I think he's a long way away
still."

But Calipari realizes the up side for the team that drafts Fortson.

"He's always played one foot away from the basket in college," Calipari
said. "You don't want to take away that part of the
game, but you better also add the perimeter part. The great thing is,
only one team has to like you. You can have 10 teams
that hate you, but only one has to like you."

Fortson auditioned for the Cavaliers with a variety of moves.

"The Cleveland workout went real well," he said. "I did a lot of
shooting, got to show some skills."

Fortson spent the weekend in Chicago going through interviews and
physical exams following the close of the league's
annual pre-draft camp. Like most players figured to be among the early
selections in the draft, he did not compete at the
camp.

Fortson's guardian, J.O. Stright, said he believed Fortson would work
out for most of the teams in the top half of the first
round.

Tim