Letting the Fakers work for us (long article)

[kevin <kevin.lok@lycosmail.com>]

somebody, pass this report to Wallace/Papile.

http://lakers.rivals.com/default.asp?p=2&sid=583&stid=178287
Draft 2000, part 1
By: Ian Mclean
Date: 04/08/2000

BIGMEN:
Part 1:
Mamadou N'diaye, 7-0, 245, C/PF, Auburn
Jabari Smith, 6-11, 255, PF/C, LSU
Dan Langhi, 6-11, 220, PF/SF, Vanderbilt
Brandon Kurtz, 6-10, 255, PF/C, Tulsa
Part 2:
Jamal Magloire, 6-10, 260, PF/C, Kentucky
Ken Johnson PF/C 6-11 240 Ohio State
Etan Thomas, 6-9, 260, PF, Syracuse
Lamont Barnes, 6-10, 240, PF, Temple
Part 3:
Eduardo Najera, 6-8, 255, SF/PF, Oklahoma
Mark Madsen, 6-8, 235, PF/SF, Stanford
Jake Voskuhl, 6-11, 245, C/PF, Connecticut
Malik Allen, 6-10, 245, PF/C, Villanova
SWINGMEN:
Part 4:
Chris Carrawell,6-6, 220, G/F, Duke
Terrance Roberson, 6-7, 215, G/F, Fresno State
Nate Johnson, 6-6, 215, G/F, Louisville
Tony Williams, 6-8, 220, F/G, Louisville
Click here to return to Draft 2000 Archive

BIGMEN
The Lakers at present have the best record in the NBA if that holds the
will have the 29th overall pick in the 1st round of the draft. The
Lakers biggest need is at power forward and back-up center. A.C. Green
and John Salley are going to be around for another year at best. The
Lakers will still have Robert Horry at power forward and Travis Knight
at back-up center/power forward, but both are undersized and a bigbody
who can play at both positions would be the perfect fit. As I see it the
perfect candidate would have the following qualities:
OFFENSE: Good scorer who can average 10 points a game. Be a patient
shooter who will take high percentage shots and average 45%+ field
goals. Be able to play in the open floor and hit the occasional face-up
jumper out to 20' (In college that would translate into the ability to
hit the 3-pt shot 33%+ and attempt 1+ per game). Be a good pivot player
with high and low post games. Be able to take it to basket strong and
power the ball into the hoop. And, it would be nice if he was a fair
free thrower of at least 60%.
DEFENSE: Strong defensive player with the size to deny the big power
forwards of the Western Conference position. Have active hands to bat
away balls in the post and get the occasional steal. Be a good rebounder
particularly on defense and have the skill, size and strength to block
out under the rim, average 6+ rebounds per game. Be able to block shots
and intimidate in the paint, average at least 1 block per game.
GENERAL: Good passer/ball handler who averages at least 1 assist per
game and has an assist to turnover ratio of around 1. Be able to run the
floor and have good footwork in and around the paint. Have the size and
strength to play center (about 6' - 10"+ and 240 lbs+) and have played
some power forward in college or have the skills to play power forward.

Below is the available talent. I have gone with all seniors, as if an
underclassmen saw himself slipping into the 2nd round he will most
likely pull out of the draft.

Mamadou N'diaye, 7-0, 245, C/PF, Auburn
More of a project than a finished product he has such great athleticism
for a seven footer that he is one of the top prospects to be an NBA
center. He looks to be a mid 1st round pick but could slip if more
polished underclassmen centers enter the draft. If the Lakers can wait
for him to develop he could be a good choice, though it is questionable
he will develop the outside shooting ability to play power forward.
Mamadou N'diaye is a senior at Auburn and has the size and athleticism
to play center in the NBA. Not yet a good scorer he still averages 8.9
point per game on 53% shooting. He is a very good rebounder averaging 8
per game. He is still learning the game but runs the floor extremely
well for a big man, and, is an extremely good shot blocker.
He is a native of Senegal and did not play basketball until he came to
prep school in the United States. He got off to a slow start at Auburn
but has steadily improved every year. He has been a wonderful student of
the game and has learned quickly. He is dedicated and has attend Big man
camps during the summers. He has also improved his athleticism and
strength, now at 245 ponds he is big enough to play center in the NBA.
His most outstanding talent is his ability to run and jump like a guard
with incredible lateral quickness. He has great body control and uses it
well to hold off defenders. All this adds up to the ability to score
easily in the paint, though he has sometimes not been aggressive enough
and will settle for a fade-away rather than finish hard. He still needs
to work on his post moves and lacks range on his jumper, but has shown
good shot selection and he continues to improve.
He is a first rate shot blocker and he broke Charles Barkley's career
record in his junior year. In addition to his 1.8 blocks per game he
alters numerous others. He is a real force in the paint and anchors
Auburn's defense. He rebounds almost as well as he blocks averaging 8
per game. His long reach and athleticism really make him a monster at
times on the boards. He is not a good one-on-one defender as he is still
learning the moves and he has a habit of committing bad fouls.
He is still learning the little things that make a basketball player.
But he has great potential and his childhood of playing football (soccer
to you Americans) shows in his great athletic ability. He played on the
Senegal National Team and has dedicated himself to becoming an NBA
player. He is expected to play in the Desert Classic, the biggest of the
three pre-draft camps, the Desert Classic. Though he is a project he is
still expected to be a mid 1st round pick. He might fall if a few
underclassmen with more polished games declare.
His averages per game are 26.3 minutes, 8.9 points, 8 rebounds, 0.5
assists, 0.8 steals, 1.8 block, 2.2 turnovers, 3.1 fouls, makes 2.9 of
5.5 field goals (53%) and 3.1 of 4.6 free throws (67%).

Jabari Smith, 6-11, 255, PF/C, LSU
I think this is the best player the Lakers are likely to get with the
29th overall pick, and after watching him in a couple of games he seems
just about right to fill the Lakers Power Forward/Center needs.
Jabari Smith a senior at LSU has the size to play center in the NBA
though he is more suited to the power forward position. He is a good
scorer with 12.6 point per game on 56% shooting, sound rebounder
averaging 7 per game, competent ballhandler, runs the floor well and can
play in the open court.
He has a nice face up jumper with range out to 20' and can step out and
convert the occasional three point shot. He has the ability to take the
ball to the basket with a variety of scoring moves, both up the middle
and from the baseline. He is good in both the high and low posts, has
good interior footwork, can drop step and hit turnaround jumpers
utilizing the glass. He is considered a smart basketball player and is a
good passer and ballhandler averaging 2.3 assist per game, though
turnovers have been a problem he has cut them down averaging 2.4 for
March.
He is a little short on athleticism in terms of jumping ability so he is
not a great shot blocker for his size averaging just 1 per game, though
he is a competent shot blocker and his best defensive strength may be
the intimidation he creates more than what he actually does. He lacks
lateral quickness so he is not able to get around defenders for
offensive rebounds, but he is a good defensive rebounder where he uses
his size and strength to block out. His rebounding, shot blocking and
scoring have dropped about 25% due to the emergence of his teammate
Stromile Swift. Somewhat a plus as it shows he can be a role player and
will not demand to be a star. He is not a good free thrower averaging
59% for the season though he has improved to 67% in March.
Smith came to LSU from an Atlanta junior college and he is considered
one of the top 100 players in college. Still a rather unknown player he
is over shadowed by his teammate Stromile Swift, though he has managed
to get invited to one pre-draft camp, the Desert Classic. Due to the
number and quality of power forwards in this years draft he will more
appeal to teams looking for someone to play center, as he has the size
and good centers are always in short supply. Expected to be a late 1st
round pick he could drop to the second round if one more good power
forward or center declares.
His averages per game are 28.5 minutes, 12.6 points, 7 rebounds, 2.3
assists, 0.8 steals, 1 block, 2.6 turnovers, 2.4 fouls, makes 4.6 of 8.2
field goals (56%), 0.4 of 1 three pointers (40%) and 3 of 5.1 free trows
(59%).

Dan Langhi, 6-11, 220, PF/SF, Vanderbilt
A good outside shooting power forward prospect for the Lakers though he
is deficient in size and is not a banger down low. At first thought to
be a late 1st round selection he is slipping and may end up moving into
the 2nd round.
Dan Langhi is a senior at Vanderbilt where he plays power forward.
Though he is tall he may lack the strength to play power forward in the
NBA, though his skills may allow him to play at small forward. He is an
excellent scorer averaging 22.1 points per game on 48% shooting, not a
good rebounder he still manages 6 per game and he can play passable
defense.
A really impressive outside shooter where he has good moves to get open
and can regularly hit three pointers at a 40% average. He can be a
really explosive scorer having 5 games this season at 30 points or more.
He can also get hot at three-point range and has hit 6 of 9 in one game
this season. He unfortunately is pretty much limited to the perimeter
game, he lacks any power moves and has not shown any kind of post up
game. Not a great ballhandler he at least keeps his turnovers fairly low
at 1.8 per game.
He is not a shot blocker and has trouble defending bigger players down
low. He is a smart player though and can play passable defense. He is
not a good rebounder but gives it good effort and his height allows him
to pull in a fair number.
He had poor games against LSU and Wake Forest and there is a big
question as to whether he can make it as power forward or small forward
in the NBA, his skills falling between the two and not being perfect for
either. He may still be a late 1st round pick but it is more and more
likely that he will slip into the 2nd round. He was invited to the
Desert Classic one of the biggest of the three pre-draft camps.
His averages per game are 34.4 minutes, 22.1 points, 6 rebounds, 0.8
assists, 0.4 steals, 0.3 blocks, 1.8 turnovers, 1.9 fouls, makes 7.4 of
15.5 field goals (48%), 1.9 of 4.8 three pointers (40%) and 5.4 of 6.2
free throws (87%).

Brandon Kurtz, 6-10, 255, PF/C, Tulsa
Not a perfect fit for the Lakers, but with his size and skills may
develop into a decent power forward. As he looks to be a late 2nd round
pick, if he makes it to the NBA at all, he will certainly be around and
seems worth taking a chance on.
Brandon Kurtz is a senior at Tulsa where he plays center but he will
have to move to power forward for the NBA. He lacks the size to play
center in the NBA but has the size to play power forward and has good
skills to make the transition. He is a good scorer with 11.2 points per
game on 52% shooting, only a fair rebounder averaging 6.9 per game,
competent shot blocker and fair defender.
He has a good mid-range jump shot, use good judgment when to use it and
uses ball fakes to get open. He will rarely shoot a three and averages
25%, not impressive but it promises he can develop a little more range.
He can play well in the low post, using a drop step and a turnaround
jumper. He has good footwork and is tough when going to the hoop, which
earns him frequent trips to the charity stripe, though he is only a fair
free thrower at 68%.
On defense he is an aggressive shot blocker averaging 1.4 per game,
though this leads to foul trouble at times. He needs to use better
judgment and try to block only when he has established good tactical
position. He is only a fair rebounder for his size due to his lack of
athleticism but he continues to improve in this area and he averaged
10.4 rebounds per game for March.
He transferred form a junior college and has been a quick learner in the
NCAA. Not the outstanding talent in the up coming draft Brandon Kurtz
has still attracted the eye of a few pro scouts and has a good chance to
by a late 2nd round selection. He Has been invited to the Portsmouth
Invitational.
His averages per game are 26.8 minutes, 11.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.6
assists, 1.1 steals, 1.4 blocks, 2.2 turnovers, 3.3 fouls, makes 4.2 of
8.1 field goals (52%), 0.1 of 0.4 three pointers (25%) and 2.7 of 4 free
throws (68%).


Jamal Magloire, 6-10, 260, PF/C, Kentucky
Early in the season he would have been available with the 29th overall
pick, but he has finally answered his critics and exploded on the
offensive end. He is a little on the short side but is such a good
defender he should be able to play back-up center. If enough
underclassmen declare and he is available he would be a pretty good fit,
though he needs to develop a face up jumper.
Jamal Maglorie a senior at Kentucky is considered one of the best
defending big men in college ball and is finally developing the ability
to score. He is really only around 6-9 but has huge reach with his 7-7
wing span. People have compared his build to Alonzo Mourning's, but he
is really more the size to play power forward than center. He has become
a good scorer averaging 13.2 points per game on 51% shooting, is a good
rebounder with 9.1 per game and is an outstanding defensive player.
Though he has improved and is scoring pretty well this is still the weak
point in his game. Since he does not really have the size to play center
he needs to develop his face up game. He has a poor jump shot with no
range. He does most of his scoring by rolling off his man in the post
where he is very hard to push off the blocks because of his strength or
by getting down court fast and taking position deep in the lane. He also
is not a good passer and turnovers have been a problem, partly due to
poor offensive footwork leading to travels. Though he can put up good
points in college this way, this is just not going to cut it in the NBA
where the competition is better and the power forwards and centers are
much bigger than in college.
Defense has always been a strong point of his. He is an outstanding shot
blocker averaging 1.7 per game and his intimidation factor alters many
more shots. He has great defensive footwork and is an excellent post
defender. He runs the floor well and gets back in transition. He
establishes good rebounding position and with his long arms and strength
this makes him an excellent rebounder. Put simply he is considered one
of the best interior defenders in the country.
He has played for the Canadian National. Last year he considered
entering the draft but reconsidered when it appeared he might not make
it into the 1st round. GM's were worried about his lack of offense,
energy and endurance. This year he has improved in all these areas, but
he has more competition. The NBA has always been kind to defensive
players so even if he does not make it into the 1st round he will go
very quickly in the 2nd. Last year he was invited to several of the
pre-draft camps and he should at the Desert Classic this year.
His averages per game are 29.3 minutes, 13.2 points, 9.1 rebounds, 0.6
steals, 1.7 blocks, 0.6 assists, 2.8 turnovers, 2.8 fouls, makes 4.5 of
8.9 field goals (51%), and 4.3 of 6.2 free throws (69%).

Ken Johnson PF/C 6-11 240 Ohio State
One of many college centers that is just not big enough to be considered
a center in the NBA forcing him to fight with the many power forward
prospects this year. As a result depending on how things go in the
pre-draft camps he could either be anywhere from a mid 1st round pick to
a 2nd rounder. I think he has potential and may work into the Lakers
needs.
Ken Johnson is a senior at Ohio State he lacks the bulk to play center
in the NBA so he will most likely have to move to power forward though
he could still back up at center. Looking at his frame he looks like he
may be able to put on another 15 pounds which would greatly increase his
ability to play center in the NBA. He is a fair scorer averaging 7.8
points on 54% shooting. He is a good offensive rebounder but falls short
on defensive rebounding. He is very quick and runs the floor very well.
He has not shown much of an outside game in college, but his nice soft
shot inside indicates he should be able to develop a decent 15' jumper.
His lack of strength hurts his low post game, but he can use his
athleticism, dribbling ability and long reach to get high percentage
shots. His favorite shot is a rolling hook. He has difficulty scoring
against good centers and will have difficulty unless he improves his
offense in the NBA. He also needs to improve his passing and
ballhandling.
He is an excellent shot blocker and is averaging an outstanding 5.4 per
game. Unfortunately he may be a little too aggressive in his shot
blocking and this can lead to foul trouble. His aggressiveness at shot
blocking also hurts his defense and rebounding by pulling him out of
position, he would be a much better overall defender if he stayed at
home more. He averages 6.2 rebounds a game but only 3.8 of them on
defense, because he does not have the strength to keep from being pushed
off the blocks and is so often out of position looking to block shots.
Still somewhat of a project, he needs to either gain size and strength
to play center or develop a better offense to be a power forward. He
appears to have the raw talent needed to make good in the NBA but only
time will tell. He will play in the biggest of the three pre-draft
camps, the Desert Classic. Like so many others he could be either a late
1st round or an early second round pick, but his height and skills will
almost guarantee him a chance in the NBA.
His averages per game are 29.5 minutes, 7.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 0.1
steals, 5.4 blocks, 0.3 assists, 1.2 turnovers, 2.9 fouls, makes 3.1 of
5.7 field goals (54%), and 1.5 of 2.4 free throws (63%).

Etan Thomas, 6-9, 260, PF, Syracuse
A good defensive talent he still needs to develop his offense to play at
power forward in the NBA. He appears to have the raw talent and his
defense alone might make him a good pick for the Lakers. He has an
outside chance at being a lottery pick but most likely will go in the
mid to late 1st round, with a possibility of dropping to the early 2nd
round if enough underclassmen declare.
Etan Thomas is a senior at Syracuse where he has played at center for
all four years. He will have to switch to power forward in the NBA and
for that he will have to expand his offensive game. He is a very good
defender and has good strength and quickness. He is a fair scorer with
14 points a game, good rebounder with 9.4 a game and runs the floor
well.
Though he can put up a fair number of points his offense is limited. He
has good hands and great leaping ability allowing him to get many of his
points off of tips and putbacks. He does not have good shooting range
nor touch, this may be the result of his large hands which make it
difficult for him to put rotation on the ball. He uses his speed and
strength to get good position in the post and does well finding his
defenders weakness and has good footwork to penetrate for lay-ups. He
has a decent hook shot and uses good shot selection which is how he
maintains an outstanding 59% field goal percentage. Though sufficient
for college his offense seems too limited to make the transition to
power forward in the NBA. If he does not overcome the problems with his
jump shot he may never be successful on offense in the NBA.
He is an outstanding defender and one of the top shot blockers in the
country averaging 3.7 blocks a game and holds several records. Though
his aggressiveness can lead to foul trouble he is intelligent about it
and has not fouled out of a game this season. He has been named "Big
East Defensive Player of the Year" and I consider him a much better
defender than some players with more blocked shots because he is
disciplined, not taking chances. He lets his intimidation alter shots
while staying at home defensively and keeping good rebounding position.
If all this is not good enough he is an excellent post defender. He is
also a good rebounder, using his quickness and knack of getting to the
ball to averaging 9.4 per game.
He was plagued by injuries earlier this season, so he may be subjected
to some physicals by perspective teams. He is generally talked about as
a mid 1st round pick but like so many others that depends on which
underclassmen declare so there is a real possibility that he could slip
even as far as the 2nd round. He has been invited to several of the
pre-draft camps and will attend the Desert Classic.
His averages per game are 32.3 minutes, 14.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, 0.8
steals, 3.7 blocks, 0.6 assists, 2.0 turnovers, 3.1 fouls, makes 5.2 of
8.8 field goals (59%), and 3.6 of 5.3 free throws (68%).

Lamont Barnes, 6-10, 240, PF/C, Temple
This guy could be the sleeper of the 2000 draft. He is a rarity, an all
around player, though not outstanding at anything. Too small to play
center he could become a solid power forward in the NBA. I am not sure
he is really 1st round material, but I like him and he could develop
into a good power forward for the Lakers.
Lamont Barnes is a senior at Temple where he has played at both center
and power forward. He does not have the size nor strength to start at
center in the NBA, but could become a good power forward. He is a
passable scorer with 9 points per game on 49%shooting, substandard
rebounder with 5 per game, decent ballhandler and very quick and
athletic for a big man. He could use a little more size and strength but
has great stamina running the floor well and rarely getting tired.
He has the ability to face up and is a good mid range jump shooter. He
has good maneuverability inside off the dribble and can slide between
defenders to the basket. He uses his pivot foot well in the post and
likes to drop step to the baseline for lay-ups. On short jumpers he
spins to the basket and has a good high release point on his shoot and
can also fade-away. He is a decent passer and has soft hands leading to
a fairly low 1.3 turnovers per game.
He is a good defender and has shown the ability to guard smaller faster
players. He is a competent shot blocker and can be an intimidator in the
paint, though he has been less effective since he moved to power
forward. He is a substandard rebounder particularly on defense, his
offense and defensive rebounds being almost equal at 2.4 and 2.6 per
game respectively. Bulking up would help him in blocking out for
rebounds and in defending the bigger power forwards in the NBA.
He has the talent to be drafted but most likely not in the 1st round,
particularly if several underclassmen declare. Somewhat underrated he
could shine with a team that lets him play within his talents. He has
been invited to the Desert Classic pre-draft camp.
His averages per game are 29.7 minutes, 9.0 points, 5 rebounds, 0.9
steals, 1.2 blocks, 0.7 assists, 1.3 turnovers, 2.1 fouls, makes 3.3 of
6.7 field goals (49%), and 2.5 of 3.8 free throws (66%).


Eduardo Najera, 6-8, 255, SF/PF, Oklahoma
He is not tall enough to play center but has bulk to be able to play
power forward and the skills to play at small forward. He has a lot of
hustle and if he is still around at the 29th pick he might be a better
pick then some of the bigger men for the Lakers.
Eduardo Najera is a senior at Oklahoma, he is marginal in size to play
at power forward in the NBA and may not have refined enough skills to
play at small forward, but he has such versatility, quickness and
athleticism that I am sure he will carve out a niche for himself in the
NBA. He is a good scorer averaging 18.5 points per game on 46% shooting.
He is an excellent rebounder with a real nose for the ball and averages
9.4 rebounds a game. He has a good feel for the game, can be physical
but can also play with finesse.
He has a nice outside shot, but very poor shot selection. He shoots the
three way too much and even though he appears to have the range he is
averaging only 21% this year down from 34% last year. He has a good
first step and fine handle which allows him to get around defenders and
pull up for a very accurate 15' pull up jumper. He does well in traffic
and can take the ball to the rim or step back out for an open mid range
jumper. He is strong in the low post where he can work the defender for
a high percentage shot, which he finishes with a soft touch.
He reads the floor well and is always aware of his teammates, a good
passer as well he averages an outstanding 2.1 assist per game. On
rebounding he is very tenacious, reads the shot and anticipates where
the rebound will be. Just as tough on defense he has a habit of getting
into foul trouble. The only problem I see with him is he needs to be
more disciplined, avoiding fouls on rebounds and defense, and choosing
his shots better.
He is a native of Mexico, he has played on their National team and has a
huge following among Mexican/Americans. Some think he will be a 1st
round pick though most have him early in the 2nd round. He has been
invited to the prestigious Desert Classic pre-draft camp.
His averages per game are 34 minutes, 18.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.1
assists, 2.8 fouls, 1.8 steals, 2.4 turnovers, 0.8 blocks, makes 6.9 of
15.1 field goals (46%), 0.5 of 2.4 three point (21%), and 4.2 of 6 free
throws (70%).

Mark Madsen, 6-8, 235, PF/SF, Stanford
OK he is not the type that could play center, he may not even be able to
play power forward in the NBA, but he is such an aggressive rebounder
you just can't ignore him. He kind of reminds me of Dennis Rodman (the
good part) and if Phil Jackson wants a replacement this could be the
guy. Probably a 2nd round pick, if the Lakers picked up a center/power
forward in the 1st round this guy might be a nice 2nd round pick.
Mark Madsen is nicknamed "Mad Dog" and he lives up to his name. More the
size for a small forward in the NBA he may make it as a power forward
out of shear toughness and hustle. He is a limited scorer but averages
12.5 points per game, an outstanding rebounder averaging 9.4 per game
and one of the scrappiest players in the NCAA.
He has a high field goal percentage of 60%, but his scoring ability is
limited and may not transfer to the NBA. He can hit a jumper from 15'
but his shot looks horrible and he is slow moving into it. He is a good
low post player where he has excellent ballhandling abilities and is
able to work his way into the defenders weakness, and finish with a high
percentage up and under or turnaround hook. Unfortunately he is a poor
free throw shooter at 58%, so defenders will foul him rather than let
him have the high percentage shot.
He is a good aggressive defender and has the strength to match up with
bigger players. He is not a good passer and does not use good judgment
in giving up the ball to open men on offense. He is a great rebounder,
he blocks out well and is very hard to get around or push out of
position, he just seems to have a nose for the ball and get more than
his share of boards for a player his size.
He spent two years on a Mormon mission before returning to play
basketball. Some doubt he will make it to the NBA, but with his energy
and enthusiasm I know he will make it. Most likely a 2nd rounder he has
been invited to the Desert Classic pre-draft camp.
His averages per game are 27 minutes,12.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.1
assists, 2.2 fouls, 0.5 steals, 1.5 turnovers, 0.8 blocks, makes 4.8 of
8 field goals (60%) and 2.9 of 5 free throws (58%).

Jake Voskuhl, 6-11, 245, C/PF, Connecticut
A tough defender and a player that does all the intangibles that help a
team win he is likely to go early in the 2nd round. He may not be right
for the Lakers as he has played in a up tempo offense and may not be
able to adapt to a half court game.
Jake Voskuhl is a senior at Connecticut where he has played center. He
is a little small to play NBA center but should be able to play at power
forward. He is a fair scorer averaging 8.7 points per game, a decent
rebounder with 6.3 per game and has very good fundamentals.
He has never been much of an offensive player, but he has soft hands and
can hit a short face up or turnaround jumper. He has good agility and
lateral speed which allows him to take the ball to the basket from even
high in the lane with a hard dribble. More importantly on offense he
does all the intangibles that help his teammates score, like setting
screens and occupying opposing centers and power forwards.
He is a very good shot blocker averaging 1.4 per game. He is a good
rebounder around the basket and averages 6.3 per game. He is a tough and
physical defender inside and was named the team defensive player of the
year once. Unfortunately like most aggressive defenders he can get in
foul trouble seriously limiting his minutes.
He attended Pete Newell's big man camp and is invited to the Portsmouth
Invitational pre-draft camp. He has a good chance of making it to the
NBA but will most likely be a 2nd round pick.
His averages per game are 23 minutes, 8.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.2
assists, 2.7 fouls, 0.5 steals, 1.8 turnovers, 1.4 blocks, makes 3.3 of
5.7 field goals (58%) and 2.2 of 3.2 free throws (69%).

Malik Allen, 6-10, 245, PF/C, Villanova
A solid but not outstanding talent, he may never be a star but is likely
to have a long if unspectacular NBA career. He has the possibility of
making the 1st round but seems to be more likely to go in the 2nd. I
don't know if I would take him as the Lakers 1st round pick but if he
was still there in the 2nd I would grab him.
Malik Allen is senior at Villanova, where he played both center and
power forward. He has a good body and the strength is there to play some
center and he has enough speed and face up ability to play power
forward. He is a good scorer with 14.3 point per game on 51% shooting,
sound rebounder averaging 7.5 per game, and knows his limitations and
plays within them.
He has a nice shooting touch and can hit a face up jumper out to 15
feet. He has developed more of a post game this year but it is still a
little deficient. He mainly relies on backing his opponent into the
paint and making a turnaround jumper, he has this down pretty good he
even draws double teams at times. I don;'t think it will work as well in
the NBA where the competition will be just as strong. In transition he
can some times be lazy and does not always run the floor or get himself
in good scoring position. He is a good free throw shooter for a big man
averaging 70%.
Though he is not a good leaper he is a very good shot blocker averaging
1.9 per game. On rebounding he is a real banger and does well but often
does not block out on the defensive end. He plays good defense but is
not a great man-on-man defender.
He ended the season with a poor game against Kent. He is not the pick of
a draft rich with big men and if a lot of underclassmen come out he may
not make it to the NBA at all. Most years he might have been a late 1st
round pick but this year he looks to be a 2nd rounder. He was invited to
the Desert Classic.
His averages per game are 33.6 minutes, 14.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1
assist, 2.4 fouls, 0.7 steals, 2.3 turnovers, 1.9 blocks, makes 5.6 of
10.9 field goals (51%) and 3.1 of 4.4 free throws (70%).


Chris Carrawell, 6-6, 220, Duke
I really like this guy. Some think him between positions, but that
should not matter to the Lakers with their need for big guards in their
system. There is great disagreement where he will go in the draft, some
have him a mid to late 1st rounder, others a late 2nd rounder if he
makes it at all. If the Lakers did not have such a need for a big man he
would be a great 29th pick and if he is still around in the 2nd round he
will be the steal of the draft.
Chris Carrawell is a senior at Duke, a true swingman he has the skills
and size to play both the shooting guard or small forward position in
the NBA. An outstanding athlete with exceptional ballhandling skills, he
has even played at point guard in college. He is an all around player
who does a good job on both offense and defense. And, it does not hurt
that he comes out of one of the best basketball programs in the NCAA.
He is a steady shooter from beyond the arc and had a streak of 27 games
with hitting at least one three pointer in a game, though he prefers to
shoot his jumper from mid ranges where he is more accurate. He is good
at driving to the basket with a very good first step and the ability to
finish. He shows good shot selection and is good at scoring in
transition. In the post he can score with a nice hook shot or by ducking
low and driving past his defender. He moves well without the ball, has
the ability to shoot off the dribble and is a fairly good free thrower
at 78%.
He is an above average ballhandler and passer, who averages 3.2 assists
per game with an excellent assist to turnover ratio of 1.6. He is a good
rebounder for his size and is not afraid of contact below the boards. On
defense his quick feet and long reach make him an excellent defender
able to guard fast point guards to larger forwards. He is a good shot
blocker and rarely gets out of position searching for blocks or steals.
During his early years at Duke he was overshadowed by several players
now playing in the NBA. This year he has started to shine in his own
right, while still remaining an integral part of one of the best teams
in the NBA. Four years at Duke served him well, he improved his shooting
and ballhandling and has become a well polished player with good
fundamentals. He has been invited to the Desert Classic and if he does
well may go in the 1st round of the draft, but there is a chance he may
slip to the 2nd round if some more underclassmen declare.
His averages per game are 35.6 minutes, 17 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.2
assists, 1.6 fouls, 0.9 steals, 2 turnovers, 1.1 blocks, makes 6 of 12.4
filed goals (48%), 0.8 of 2.2 three pointers (36%) and 4.1 of 5.2 free
throws (78%).

Terrance Roberson, 6-7, 215, Fresno State
Hidden behind Courtney Alexander at Fresno State this guy could be the
one of the steals of the draft if he is not discovered at the pre-draft
camps and goes in the 2nd round. He would be the perfect third guard for
the Lakers triangle offense.
Terrance Roberson is a senior at Fresno State where he has played mostly
at small forward. Of note is that he missed only four games in his
college career. He has the speed, size, shooting and ballhandling
abilities to be a swingman in the NBA.
He is a good jump shooter with a smooth stroke and good mechanics, which
should allow him to develop three point range in the NBA. In closer he
has good elevation and can score with a fadeaway turnaround jumper. He
can drive from the perimeter through an open lane, but has trouble in
traffic. He is an above average free thrower averaging 84% for the
season, a good indicator of his potential ability as a shooter in the
NBA.
Very unselfish with the ball and a good passer he has had some double
digit assist games and averages 4.1 per game. He has had some high
turnover games, the worst against the pressing defense of Wisconsin
where he had eight, he still has a fairly decent assist to turnover
ration of 1.3. He is an adequate rebounder averaging 4.9 for the season.
He is not much of a shot blocker, manages the occasionally steal and
plays adequate defense.
He ended the season with some strong games, even in the loss to
Wisconsin, aside from the turnovers. He came to the attention of pro
scouts when Courtney Alexander was out for six games early in the
season, Roberson did a good job leading the team and picked up his
production. He has not fallen off much from that performance and might
just impress scouts enough to work himself into the 1st round, though he
is more likely to go early in the 2nd. He has been invited to the most
prestigious of the pre-draft camps, the Desert Classic.
His averages per game are 33.5 minutes, 16.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.1
assists, 2.3 fouls, 1.2 steals, 3.1 turnovers, 0.4 blocks, makes 5.5 of
12.9 filed goals (43%), 2.7 of 7.3 three pointers (37%) and 2.7 of 3.2
free throws (84%).

Nate Johnson, 6-6, 215, Louisville
A player with solid fundamentals who could fill the Lakers need for a
big guard. Not the kind of talent teams look for in the 1st round but he
has NBA talent and would be an excellent 2nd round pick.
Nate Johnson is a senior at Louisville and has the body and athleticism
to make it in the NBA. He is an excellent shooter with a 44% three point
shooting percentage. He is also a good ballhandler and a decent
rebounder though he could use a little more polish on his defensive
skills. He can also be an explosive scorer with a 35 point game this
season.
He is an excellent stand still shooter from three point range, though
his shot is still not fully perfected. When he perfects his shot he
could become one of the NBA deadliest three point shooters. He has a
good first step and can make his own shots. He has a good pull-up jumper
from mid range and is a very accurate shooter off the dribble. He can
work in traffic, is a good finisher and has the leaping ability to get
tips and put backs around the basket. On the down side he does not have
much of a post game, needs to improve his free throws and can be
streaky.
He has good ballhandling skills with both hands and plays the floor
well. He knows how to pass the ball to open teammates with 3.1 assists
per game and an assist to turnover ratio of 1.2. He is good at crashing
the boards and averages 5.4 rebounds a game. He is good at steals, but
sometimes chases them which leads to break downs on defense, he would
benefit from staying at home a little more. Though not a shot blocker he
can and does a pretty good job on defense.
Johnson has a well developed offense but could use a little more polish
on the rest of his game. He had some physical and attitude problems
early in college but these seems to be behind him. Overall he has good
potential and should turn out to be a good 2nd round pick. He has been
invited to the Portsmouth Invitational.
His averages per game are 30.8 minutes, 13.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.5
assists, 1.9 fouls, 1.9 steals, 2.6 turnovers, 0.7 blocks, makes 5.6 of
11.7 filed goals (48%), 0.7 of 1.6 three pointers (44%) and 2 of 2.9
free throws (69%).

Tony Williams, 6-8, 220, Louisville
A good all around player who will probably make it to the NBA in the 2nd
round. Still needs to improve his ballhandling and shot selection but
could became a good back up swingman for the Lakers.
Tony Williams is a senior at Louisville, he is more likely to play small
forward in the NBA but could play some in the backcourt. He is a fair
scorer with the skills to hit form the outside and drive, and is
unselfish with the ball. He was having a good season but tapered off and
had two bad outing to end his season.
He is a good jump shooter with decent range, he has averaged over a
third of his points off three's and is shooting 35% from beyond the arc.
A rarity these days he also has a very good intermediate game, where he
uses his height to shot over defenders. He has good ballhandling skills,
an explosive first step and ability to change direction at speed which
allows him to penetrate where he is good at finishing in traffic. He can
post up and is very quick in getting into his shot which makes him hard
to defend.
He is unselfish with the ball, has excellent passing skills and great
vision for a forward which allows him to average an outstanding 2.9
assists per game. He can sometimes have trouble with turnovers, mainly
because he lacks dribbling ability with his off hand, but he still
manages to have a decent assist to turnover ratio of 1.3. He is a decent
rebounder and averages 6.2 per game. He is a respectable shot blocker
and gets more than his fair number of steals. On defense he is not
outstanding, but does his job getting back in transition and does not
stray from his assignments.
Williams comes from a basketball family and has been playing since early
childhood, which shows in his fine fundamentals. Never the star of his
team he gives workman like performances. He has been invited to the
Portsmouth Invitational and has a good chance at making the NBA as a 2nd
round selection.
His averages per game are 29 minutes, 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.9
assists, 1.8 fouls, 1.4 steals, 2.2 turnovers, 0.8 blocks, makes 4.9 of
11.4 filed goals (43%), 1.8 of 5.2 three pointers (35%) and 2.1 of 2.9
free throws (72%).