CNNSI On The Top Draft Prospects

["Way Of The Ray" <wayray@ix.netcom.com>]

Thanks to BSG for mentioning it:

1. Jason Williams*   PG  6-2  Duke

Undisputed top prospect only included on account of "The Seth Davis window."

2. Eddy Curry   C  6-11  Thornwood (Ill.) HS

"Baby Shaq" (290 lbs.) will take a couple years to develop -- so run for
cover.

3. Eddie Griffin   PF  6-9  Seton Hall

Frosh averaged 17.6 points and 10.8 rebounds -- but also decked a teammate.

4. Tyson Chandler   C  7-1  Compton (Calif.) Dominguez HS

Kevin Garnett incarnated but needs to add to his 220-pound frame.


5. DaSagna Diop*   C  7-0  Oak Hill (Va.) Academy HS

Senegal native, known for his ability to run the floor, is still visiting
colleges.

6. Kwame Brown*   C   6-11  Brunswick (Ga.) Glynn Academy HS

Florida signee started warming to NBA after recent All-Star game
performances.


7. Jason Richardson   SG  6-6  Michigan State

Dismal Final Four doesn't overshadow vertical leap and mid-range jumper.


8. Michael Bradley   PF  6-10  Villanova

Kentucky transfer developed dominating offensive game (21.5 ppg) last
season.


9. Shane Battier   SF  6-8  Duke

No knocking his heart, leadership and defensive abilities. Just quickness.

10. Loren Woods   C   7-1  Arizona

Shot-blocking machine would be top-five pick but for common on-court lapses.

11. Richard Jefferson   SF  6-7  Arizona

Showed off his defensive prowess against the Pac-10's best and at Final
Four.

12. Jamaal Tinsley   PG  6-3  Iowa State

In a draft light at the point, this polished senior is the best bet.


13. Zach Randolph   PF  6-9  Michgan State

Has definite Elton Brand likeness but needed another year of school.

14. Joseph Forte*   SG  6-3  North Carolina

Was at times the best player in the country before fading down the stretch.

15. Ousmane Cisse*   C  6-9  Montgomery (Ala.) St. Jude HS

Physically, the most ready of the prep prospects, but with less exposure.

16. Troy Murphy   PF   6-10  Notre Dame
Two-time All-American has nice offensive touch but could get stronger.


17. Ken Johnson   C  6-11  Ohio State

Will be primarily a defensive stopper at the next level.


18. Joe Johnson*   SF  6-9  Arkansas
Still weighing options after what some considered subpar sophomore year.

19. Brendan Haywood   C  7-0  North Carolina

Improved throughout his career but will always have "soft" reputation.

20. Tayshaun Prince*   SF   6-8  Kentucky

Just showing the cusp of what he can do as Kentucky's one-man show.

* -- underclassman yet to declare.



Next 10: Jason Collins, C, Stanford; Alvin Jones, C, Georgia Tech; Gerald
Wallace, SF, Alabama; Trenton Hassel, SG, Austin Peay; Jarron Collins, PF,
Stanford; Rodney White, PF, Charlotte; Charlie Bell, PG, Michigan State;
Carlos Boozer, PF, Duke; Horace Jenkins, PG, William Paterson; Gilbert
Arenas, SG, Arizona.