Undrafted PFs

[j.hironaka@unesco.org]

Hi list:

Pasted below is a list of some undrafted power forwards from the 1999
NBA Draft, adamantly known hereabouts as "Day One of the Zhi Zhi Wang
Era". :-)

Hopefully, there will be another "Brad Miller" type surprise out of this
group. The ratings are from George Rodecker, who generally comes across
as a bit extra gushing in his evaluation of players. On the other hand,
some recognizable college big men who Rodecker didn't like that much
include Antonio Smith, Harold Jamison, Ademola Okulaja and Kostas
Maglos. Personally, I view this sort of thing as poignant/sad or
whatever. The last thing I would want to be is a scary 6-10 guy who has
a huge source of popular acceptance (b-ball) taken away from me. I feel
especially bad for all those force-fed 300 pound college football
offensive linemen who go undrafted in the NFL. It must cause a fair
amount of depression going from genuine "big man on campus" to just
another tub-of-lard looking for an entry-level office job.

My suggestion would be to open a professional sumo league in the USA.
It's actually an entertaining and wholesome sport loaded with guys who
have world class "hand to mouth" coordination. Seriously though, if sumo
had individual weight classes like boxing or judo, it would quickly earn
a lot of respect IMHO as the remarkable sport it is.

Joe



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Copyright CBS Sportsline:

#30 Casey Frank 6-10 220 Northern Arizona
Many scouts didn’t see the pro prospect in Frank until he electrified
those in attendance at the Phoenix draft camp. Perhaps a top-ten
vertical leaper among the draft eligible this year, Frank can do a whole
lot more. He has solid range on his jumper, can defend his man and is
willing to dive after loose balls and do the dirty work. His open-floor
athleticism is unquestionably sky high among same-position peers. A
competent first-team player, Frank is coming on very strong as the draft
approaches..

#32 Tyrone Grant 6-7 240 St Johns
That Tyrone Grant is a warrior is a given, in fact some think of him as
a throwback player, a player who reminds them of the workhorse forwards
of the late 60’s and early 70’s. The rugged, play in pain, interior
banger became a serious draft night candidate with a phenomenal effort
at the Portsmouth predraft camp. In fact he garnered MVP honors despite
playing injured and in pain as he did all season long. Grant is simply a
reminder of the days when players would do anything to be on the floor.
Tyrone is a shot blocker, an interior intimidator, a reckless defender
and above all a team guy who emerged this season as the leader and the
heart and soul of the Red Storm. Those who observed his play over the
past four seasons have all claimed to witness steady marked progress
each campaign.

#48 Greg Stolt 6-9 225 Florida
Despite a fairly anonymous career at Florida, Greg Stolt has emerged
from his collegiate career and began his pro auditions with an excellent
camp in Portsmouth, where he stood the scouts on their collective ears
with a dazzling display of offensive explosiveness from nearly
everywhere on the floor. Showing great range on his perimeter offense,
and some nifty moves inside the paint, Stolt has become somewhat of a
hot property with his late charge towards the draft. Defensively he
needs to work on his game, particularly inside the paint where he often
shows soft. He does however put forth a solid effort every time out and
continues to work hard in improving his game.

#70 Mike Batiste 6-8 225 Arizona State
A vastly underrated inside banger with enough athleticism to make the
transition from college power forward to NBA swing forward, Batiste is a
diamond in the rough. Many scouts have seen him play, but not too many
are excited about his prospects. That does not diminish the fact that
Batiste can play. A rugged interior defender who rebounds with vigor, he
is a quick floor runner who can finish the break with thunder or grace.
Batiste may squeeze into the latter stages of the draft or drop off the
charts altogether, but he may still come out on top after all is said
and done.

#73 Bud Eley 6-10 240 SE Missouri State
Followed up a nifty college career with an explosive Portsmouth camp. A
rugged and athletic inside player, Eley is a willing banger who relishes
contact and shies away from little. A dependable shooter with limited
perimeter range, Eley does his best work setting up in the office - -
inside the paint. He possesses good hands and is a willing passer. Eley
runs the floor and can defend well for his position.

#78 Andy Panko 6-8 215 Lebanon Valley
This Division III player of the year stunned the scouts in Portsmouth
with his ability to play with the big boys, destroying the notion that
D-III players can't match up with the D-I crowd. Panko played way beyond
his expectations and stole the show in many an individual matchup. A
college center, Panko will be better suited for small forward where his
excellent passing skills and solid ball handling abilities will be on
display. Certainly needing some adjustment time to settle into an NBA
slot, Panko may be less of a gamble than many realize.