Draft News 6/15/05

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Marynas Andriuskevicius C Lithuania- After rumors surfaced that he was pulling out of the draft due to a lack of a promise now comes reviews from his latest workout in Chicago. The 7-2 Lithuanian showed that he is definetely a long term project. Interestingly enough is the fact that he is not even projected to be a "true center", his game is more like a SF as he can hit the three and play out on the perimeter. If he stays in the draft he will indeed go lottery due to his enormous potential but if I'm an NBA GM I am not touching this one. Reminds me too much of the scouting reports of Tskitishvili.

CJ Miles SG High School- After turning down his invitation to the Chicago Pre-Draft Camp, Miles was projected to be pulling out of the draft and attending college. However, word is that Miles has recieved a first round promise and is now hiring an agent. Miles has slipped under the rader a bit, almost reminds me of the Kedrick Brown situation back in 2001. Both are tremendous athletes that will need plenty of time to develop. Right now I have Miles going #26 to Seattle, pending the Ray Allen situation.

Yaraslav Korolev SF Moskow- Korolev has turned down a invitation to work out for Danny Ainge and the Celtics who are picking at #18. What this potentially means is that Korolev has recieved a promise and is staying in the draft or it's just smoke and mirrors created by his agent. I'm thinking that this one is for real, Korolev is a very highly touted player who may not need as much time to develop as other prospects in this draft. I have Minnesota selecting him at #14.

Matt Walsh SG Florida- After impressive performances during workouts, Walsh has decided to leave his name in the draft. Where he fits in, I'm not quite sure. I have him projected in the 30-35 range right now but I know Seattle at #26 remains a strong possibility. Miami also may show interest in Walsh. You'd have to speculate that he has recieved a promise but from who?

Luther Head G Illinois- As I wrote in my previous News column, Head has really risen his draft stock by being the most impressive player in the Chicago Pre Draft Camp. Questions still need to be answered on his ability to play the point guard position. Everyone knows he can score and play D but can he handle the point? I think that concern will be enough to push him into the top of the second round.

Hakim Warrick SF Syracuse- He was considered a lottery pick as few as two weeks ago. Now he is looking to go in the 20-25 range, as he hasnt shown the shooting touch or ball handling that he will need in the league. GM's also have concerns as to what position he will play as his body is built like a SF but his game is that of a center. Indiana at #17 is my pick for Warrick to go.

Von Wafer & Anthony Robertson- Both have said that they are remaining in the draft. In each case they are looking at being drafted in the second round. There is really no chance that either one sneaks into the first.

Players That Have Pulled Out:

Kevin Pittsnogle F West Virginia- Awful workouts
Dee Brown G Illinois- Injury
Martynas Andriuskevicus C Lithuania(?)-Back In For now
Tiago Splitter C Brazil- Will Wait unti Next Year
Eric Williams Wake Forest- Expected to Be A Second Rounder