High Major Hoops profiles

[Hironaka <j.hironaka@unesco.org>]

Here are scouting profiles from "highmajorhoops.com". This site has good
photos of the players BTW. It is worth noting, if no one else has
mentioned it, that Ousmane Cisse had narrowed his college choice down to
Rick Pitino's Louisville team (where his brother is apparently
enrolled), prior to declaring for the draft. If he ends up getting
drafted by the Celtics, I wouldn't blame Pitino for feeling cursed. This
kid looked like his express ticket back to a run at the Final Four. It
was like deja-vu all over again with the Duncan and Van Horn ping pongs.

------

Ousmane Cisse may be the most sought after player in the country in the
class of 2001.  Standing at 6'8 and a rock solid 245 pounds, Cisse is
"The Ultimate Warrior," on the floor. No one that we've seen brings more
intensity, hustle and desire on the floor than Cisse. He's an excellent
rebounder, aggressive shot-blocker and as athletically gifted as they
come. His scoring is mainly done on the blocks by way of spin moves,
drop steps and baseline drives or thunderous dunks.

DeSagana Diop (7'0, 295, Oak Hill Academy VA)
Diop is a mountain of potential with his large lower body and huge
wingspan. The additional weight that Diop has gained has slowed his
feet, but made him more difficult to box out on the boards. Great
defensive post player and shot-blocker. Has developed a baby hook with
either hand and is progressing on his jump shot. Great rebounder due to
obvious size and work ethic. Potentially could be even better with loss
of weight. We think his best playing weight would be 260-270.

Kwame Brown (6'11, 235 Brunswick, GA  )
Tall athletic PF-C has the type of game that NBA scouts love. Very
versatile and athletic big man. Plays exceptionally well facing the
basket, passes better than most interior players and swats shots with
ease. Brown can be a force inside when he needs to be. Smart player has
a good feel for the game. Tends to play on the perimeter more than in
the paint and has incredibly quick moves to the basket off the dribble
for a player his size. Very good ball-handler on the break and is just
an overall fast player, baseline to baseline.

Dajuan Wagner (6'2, 190, Camden, NJ)
Dajuan is a phenomenal basketball player. He can drive by anyone on this
level with ridiculous ease. A master at changing speeds, cross-overs,
jump stops and ball handling trickery. Very good passer, exceptionally
quick and can elevate to dunk over taller post players. Streaky shooter
with range to 25 feet. Wagner has a strong body, great instincts and a
scorers mindset.

"Chicken" Curry (6'11, 280, South Holland, IL)
Curry is a huge center that simply is too big, thick and strong for
others to handle. He is frequently double and triple teamed on the prep
level and will continue to see this through his career. Curry holds his
position against anyone with absolutely no problem in the paint. His
moves to the basket are strong and unstoppable and include drop-steps,
pivot moves and is masterful using the backboard. Very good at passing
from the post position.  Curry will make a living at the foul line, due
to no one being able to prevent his attempts to score. A very strong
rebounder, decent shot blocker and surprisingly agile. Curry has been
compared to Shaquille O'Neal and the comparisons are very valid.

Tyson "Chicken" (7.0, 220, Compton, CA)
Scouting Analysis: Chandler blocks with either hand, and sometimes both
hands. His long arms and quick jumping ability allow him to out-rebound
other post players on a regular basis. He can cover the floor well, due
to his speed and agility and is frequently seen dunking rebounds,
deflections or anything near the basket. He can shoot the ball with
consistency out to 17 feet and has nice form and rotation on his
jump-shot. Chandler has the skills and athletic ability to be a major
star at the highest level.