Chicago Pre-Draft Camp – Evaluations and Projections
by Jed Tai
The 2003 NBA Pre-Draft camp is in the books. Over 60 players gave it their all at Moody Bible Institute, some to improve their stock in the draft, others simply to try and capture the eye of at least one NBA executive to take a chance on them on draft night.
How did each player fare in Chicago? Here’s a player-by-player breakdown, along with a draft projection based on their performance.
Aloysius Anagoyne, Michigan State
Key Stats: 7.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 8-15 fg, 6-13 ft
Anagoyne played in Chicago the same way he did all four years at Michigan State – he played hard, he banged, and he defended. While he did have one breakout game offensively (18 points), for the most part he was quiet. However, in one set of shooting drills he showed some surprising touch from the perimeter. Of course, when he tried it during the games, it didn’t work. Projection: Undrafted
Rick Anderson, Arizona
Key Stats: 7.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 7-18 fg, 4-8 3pt, 4-7 ft
Anderson did alright in camp, shooting well from deep range and in general, playing without making mistakes. He still appears to be a player without a set position, however – is he a 4, a 3, or even a 2? He didn’t really stand out ahead of anyone else at those positions. Projection: Undrafted
Jerome Beasley, North Dakota
Key Stats: 8.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 11-22 fg, 0-2 3pt, 2-5 ft
While he didn’t shine as brightly as he did in Portsmouth, Beasley had a solid camp. He showed the ability to score with his back to the basket or facing the basket, ran the floor well, finished plays inside, and shot the mid-range jumper. He was all finesse though, and may project as a small forward in the NBA. Teams do like him, but can he sneak into the first round? Projection: Late First, Early Second
Troy Bell, Boston College
Key Stats: 18.0 ppg, 3.3 apg, 15-33 fg, 5-11 3pt, 19-20 ft
Bell was Chicago’s top performer offensively, leading the camp in scoring and free throw shooting, where he shot a sizzling 95 percent. Most observers like the way Bell capably handled the point although he didn’t hand out many assists after his seven assist first day performance. But he shot the ball with range, created off the dribble, and penetrated with ease. Projection: Late First, Early Second
LaVell Blanchard, Michigan
Key Stats: 6.7 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 9-24 fg, 0-1 3pt, 2-2 ft
Blanchard didn’t generate much buzz with his play in Chicago. Why? He hardly took the ball to the basket. Most of the time, he settled for long jumpers that weren’t even three-point range. While there’s no doubt he’s a good athlete, it would have been nice to see him do something other than try and imitate Michigan alum Glen Rice. He just didn’t seem to do anything but shoot Js. Projection: Undrafted
Keith Bogans, Kentucky
Key Stats: 13.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.7 apg, 15-29 fg, 5-12 3pt, 5-6 ft
Despite his stellar senior season, there was talk before Chicago that Bogans still might not get drafted. Instead, Bogans shook off the nightmares from camp two years ago to solidify himself as a draft pick. He shot the ball from the perimeter with ease, and although some will credit Jameer Nelson with setting him up, he still had to hit the shots. He simply played relaxed and had fun. Projection: Early Second Round
Matt Bonner, Florida
Key Stats: 12.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 13-25 fg, 2-8 3pt, 10-12 ft
When we watched Bonner play in Chicago, we just couldn’t help but thinking of a bulkier version of Matt Bullard. Bonner consistently hit the outside shot (just a step inside three-point range) and used his body to grab rebounds inside and play tough defense. While he will never make the spectacular play, he did the job consistently and teams liked that. Projection: Second Round
Jermaine Boyette, Weber State
Key Stats: 12.7 ppg, 3.7 apg, 12-19 fg, 0-1 3pt, 14-19 ft
Boyette played well for the most part as a scoring point guard, taking the ball to the basket with ease, scoring most of his points on layups. While he rarely took an outside shot, he really didn’t need to the way he was able to drive to the basket. Boyette wasn’t particularly creative with the ball but did find open teammates enough, and played harassing defense. Projection: Possible Second Round
Souleymane “Jules” Camara, Kentucky
Key Stats: 5.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 7-17 fg, 2-2 ft
There was one thing that was true for Camara all five years at Kentucky which rang true especially in Chicago – Camara needs to put on weight and get stronger. All of camp, he was muscled around inside and he settled for shooting mid-range jumpers. Camara definitely has talent, but needs several years of development for him to be a serviceable NBA reserve. Projection: Undrafted
Matt Carroll, Notre Dame
Key Stats: 9.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.3 apg, 13-34 fg, 0-2 3pt, 2-4 ft
Carroll didn’t shoot the ball lights out in Chicago, but did shoot the ball well enough to score quite a few points. But he also took the most shots out of anyone in camp. Carroll could have enhanced his stock by playing some at the point, but didn’t really do so even after Brandin Knight went down. He also didn’t hit a single three. Projection: Undrafted
Joel Cornette, Butler
Key Stats: 6.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 8-21 fg, 4-6 ft
Cornette might not have a lot of natural athletic ability, but he has plenty of hustle and desire. That went a long way in Chicago in him getting several garbage baskets and stray offensive boards. He didn’t prove to anyone though that he wasn’t anything more than a tweener forward who still needs work on his perimeter game, although his hard work was infectious. Projection: Undrafted
Marquis Daniels, Auburn
Key Stats: 10.0 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 3.7 apg, 11-26 fg, 1-3 3pt, 7-8 fg
Daniels was really non-descript in camp until Brandin Knight went down and he got a chance to run the point. After that, people started taking notice. Daniels ran the point fairly well when he was given the chance, and scored enough to keep defenses honest. While his outside shot still needs work and he’ll never be a full-time point, some teams did show some interest in his skills. Projection: Possible Second Round
Aleksander Djuric, Yugoslavia/Austria
Key Stats: 3.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3-15 fg, 0-1 fg, 5-8 ft
Quite honestly, Djuric was out of his league in Chicago; he really looked like a fish out of water, especially when camp started. He played nervous, couldn’t get any outside shots to fall, and was pushed around like a shopping cart in the lane. He started playing more assertively at the end, but it would be wise for him to try and get more seasoning overseas. Projection: Undrafted
Ruben Douglas, New Mexico
Key Stats: 10.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.7 apg, 9-27 fg, 2-9 3pt, 10-13 ft
Douglas skipped out on Portsmouth thinking he would simply show up in Chicago to prove himself, but he probably should have played in the PIT as well. While he proved himself as a scorer, he didn’t shoot a high percentage, was turnover prone, and is still only about 6-4ish. He could be the poster child for making sure you play in the PIT after your senior year if you need to. Projection: Undrafted
Ronald Dupree, Louisiana State
Key Stats: 6.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 4-17 fg, 12-18 ft
Dupree is a great athlete and leaper, but does he have a position? He didn’t really shed any light on that subject in Chicago. He drove to the hole with reckless abandon and effectively got himself to the free throw line, but really couldn’t buy much from the perimeter. He just didn’t do enough to get himself into a position where he’d be a sure draft pick. Projection: Undrafted
Andre Emmett, Texas Tech
Key Stats: 7.0 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 5-18 fg, 0-1 ft, 11-14 ft
Emmett was one of the players testing the waters in Chicago, and they may be too cold to his liking. While he took the ball to the rim strong and earned his points at the line, he didn’t exactly wow anyone with his perimeter shooting and didn’t impress on defense either. He’s 6-4 tops and may need more work on his ballhandling. He would be wise to return to school if Coach Knight lets him back. Projection: Second Round
Carl English, Hawaii
Key Stats: 12.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.7 apg, 15-33 fg, 5-11 3pt, 3-11 ft
English consistently played well the entire week. He shot the ball well from the outside, including quick three-point shots, and observers were impressed with his solid frame and athleticism. He even ran the point on occasion and acquitted himself well. He did, mysteriously enough, struggle from the free throw line. But in all, a solid performance for the native Canadian. Projection: Second Round
Ebi Ere, Oklahoma
Key Stats: 8.3 ppg, 2.3 ppg, 3.3 apg, 8-28 fg, 2-8 3pt, 7-9 ft
Ere comes from the school of saturation shooting – if you shoot enough, something will go in. That certainly was the case in Chicago where Ere really couldn’t get much to fall percentage-wise, but enough went in for him to get points. What was surprising that he passed the ball almost flawlessly. But there’s no way he’s an NBA point guard. Projection: Undrafted
Marquis Estill, Kentucky
Key Stats: 6.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.0 bpg, 8-21 fg, 2-2 ft
Estill got down and dirty on the boards and was one of the leading foulers in camp, but didn’t particularly play assertively on the offensive side of the ball in Chicago. He really didn’t stand out much, even amongst the big men in camp. If returning to school had been an option, it would have been a good idea. But it’s not. Projection: Possible Second Round
Jason Gardner, Arizona
Key Stats: 3.3 ppg, 3.3 apg, 4-18 fg, 0-4 3pt, 2-2 ft
Gardner, like Keith Bogans, hoped to erase some of the nightmares he had from his Chicago experience two years ago. Unfortunately, unlike Keith Bogans, Gardner did not. He couldn’t get anything going all camp long offensively either for himself or for others, and simply just didn’t play well. His measured height of 5-10 won’t help matters any either. It’s sad, but Gardner had a great college career. Projection: Undrafted
Willie Green, Detroit
Key Stats: 10.7 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 1.7 apg, 11-21, 2-8 3pt, 8-10 ft
While he really didn’t do much in camp except for score, Green had a decent time in Chicago. After starting out rather slow, Green found his groove offensively and did a nice job shooting the jumper, and utilizing his football-ready frame on drives to the basket. Still undersized as a shooting guard, his strength and athletic ability somewhat makes up for it. Projection: Possible Second Round
Justin Hamilton, Florida
Key Stats: 2.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 3.0 apg, 3-10 fg, 0-1 3pt, 0-0 ft
Hamilton played selflessly the entire time at camp and was in general a great team player, much like how he was his entire career at Florida. Unfortunately, this doesn’t necessarily translate into much of anything in terms of NBA draft stock. But Hamilton passed the ball and defended well, which always catches the attention of NBA scouts who might want to pick him up as a free agent. Projection: Undrafted
Travis Hansen, Brigham Young
Key Stats: 9.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 10-30 fg, 2-4 3pt, 5-9 ft
One of the stars from Portsmouth, Hansen continued to impress in Chicago. While his shooting was off, he took the ball to the basket fearlessly, made good decisions with the ball, and simply played good basketball. His bright bleach blonde hair didn’t hurt in him getting noticed either. Hansen is a case of a player who played well with mediocre stats, but will his age hurt him draft day? Projection: Early Second Round
Trevor Harvey, Florida State
Key Stats: 5.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.0 bpg, 6-12 fg, 5-8 ft
You can’t have enough big guys in a camp setting like Chicago, and although Harvey certainly fits that bill, he also played well enough to spark some interest in NBA executives. A good athlete, Harvey ran the floor well, was active in the post both offensively and defensively, and has enough raw potential for a team to take a flyer on him in the draft. Projection: Possible Second Round
Marcus Hatten, St. John’s
Key Stats: 4.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.7 apg, 5-19 fg, 0-2 3pt, 3-6 ft
Hatten was confused much of the tournament. Knowing scouts wanted to see him distribute the ball, he tried it and it didn’t work. He reverted back to trying to score and that didn’t work either. In the meantime, he probably saw his stock drop several notches. He simply didn’t look comfortable operating like a traditional point guard. Like Douglas, Hatten is another player who should have played in Portsmouth. Projection: Possible Second Round
Jerry Holman, Minnesota
Key Stats: 5.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 8-14 fg, 1-2 ft
Holman played well for a player who didn’t have much buzz going for him going into Chicago. He was active in the paint on both ends, and shot a high percentage from the field. While he’ll never live up to the billing of another Kevin Garnett that some folks put on him coming out of junior college, but he could someday be a deserve NBA reserve. Projection: Possible Second Round
Sam Hoskin, DePaul
Key Stats: None
Hoskin unfortunately pulled a hamstring in the first night of drills, which precluded him from participating in any of the games. It’s a shame, because in drills he was performing well, shooting the ball from the outside while playing tough in the post in one-on-one and full scrimmage drills. But the fact he didn’t play unfortunately drops him off the radar. Projection: Undrafted
Brandon Hunter, Ohio University
Key Stats: 8.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 7-20 fg, 11-18 ft
Hunter, like several other undersized post players in the camp, had to prove that he could play on the perimeter. After this camp, it was still not certain if he could do so. While he effectively created off the dribble and could not be stopped going to the basket, his outside shot was shaky. But he still has tremendous strength and a nice long wingspan that could get some NBA looks. Projection: Possible Second Round
Sani Ibrahim, College of Southern Idaho
Key Stats: 5.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 6-10 fg, 3-4 ft
Raw. That’s almost all you need to know about Ibrahim, who clearly needs more coaching and more time to fully learn the game of basketball. Ibrahim is athletic though, and is one of those classic players with upside that NBA teams love to try and tap into. But does he have enough to get drafted this season? He didn’t show it in Chicago. Our prediction is no. Projection: Undrafted
Michael Ignerski, Mississippi State
Key Stats: 4.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 6-20 fg, 0-1 3pt, 1-2 ft
Ignerski simply didn’t do anything in Chicago to show that he was worthy of being drafted. For a big guy, he took a lot of mid-range jumpers, and didn’t show much of anything in the paint or on the glass. You have to wonder if it might have been better if someone else had taken his spot in camp, we’re sorry to say. Projection: Undrafted
Robert Jackson, Marquette
Key Stats: 13.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 14-18 fg, 11-13 ft
With his former head coach Tom Crean on the sidelines watching, Jackson put together the best camp of all the post players. He was forceful in the paint and could not be stopped inside, either converting the bucket, getting fouled, or both. He was dominant on the glass as well, and effectively used his size and strength inside. A great showing for the big man. Projection: Second Round
Britton Johnsen, Utah
Key Stats: 7.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 6-17 fg, 0-1 3pt, 9-10 ft
Johnsen didn’t shoot particularly well, but showed a nice ability to go inside or out, creating shots off the dribble or spotting up on the perimeter. His long body and versatile game reminded many of fellow former Ute Keith Van Horn. What may hurt Johnsen in the draft game is his age in this day of looking for “upside”, but he is certainly a mature player. Projection: Second Round
Dahntay Jones, Duke
Key Stats: 12.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 10-26 fg, 1-3 3pt, 16-21 ft
While his perimeter shot really didn’t start falling until the last game, Jones was explosive to the basket all camp long and was clearly one of the best athletes on the floor each time out. He used his superior leaping ability to finish on the break and grab rebounds, while playing the gritty defense you’d expect a Duke grad to play. If his outside shot fell more consistently he would have secured himself a late first round slot. Projection: Late First, Early Second
James Jones, Miami (FL)
Key Stats: 7.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 10-17 fg, 1-4 3pt, 1-3 ft
It was the second year in a row that a former Hurricanes standout played well in Chicago, as Jones impressed observers with his soft shooting touch. While he didn’t quite show off NBA three-point range, he effectively created his own shot off the dribble and made some very difficult fallaway jumpers. While he didn’t show much else, he did show he was draft worthy. Projection: Second Round
Jason Kapono, UCLA
Key Stats: 8.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 10-21 fg, 2-3 3pt, 3-4 ft
Kapono’s a shooter, and he certainly did his share all week. Whether it was spotting up or creating off of the dribble, Kapono shot the ball well from the perimeter like everyone expected him to, and played his usual brand of smart, selfless basketball. While questions about his defensive ability or footspeed were not addressed, an NBA team could always use a shooter, and Kapono definitely fits that bill. Projection: Second Round
Jason Keep, San Diego
Key Stats: 9.7 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 9-20 fg, 11-20 ft
Keep was a man amongst boys in the lane, and bullied his way around for points – and fouls – all camp long. He did step out from time to time to shoot the mid-range jumper and was fairly successful. But his strength and size inside was his calling card, and he wasn’t afraid to use it. Keep was definitely one of the strongest guys in camp. Projection: Second Round
Bernard King, Texas A&M
Key Stats: 8.0 ppg, 1.0 apg, 7-17 fg, 2-6 3pt, 8-11 ft
While King showed he was a credible threat offensively, he didn’t do much to stand out from the other shooting guards in Chicago. The crafty lefty shot fairly well from the perimeter and knew how to create his own shot, but it would have been good to see him function more as a point guard to show off the versatility he displayed at A&M. Projection: Undrafted
Brandin Knight, Pittsburgh
Key Stats: 4.0 ppg, 2.0 apg, 2-5 fg (1 game)
Knight injured an ankle after the opening game and did not play the rest of the camp. In the one game he did play, he was the same old Brandin Knight all are familiar with – heady point guard, tough defensively, shaky outside shot. His absence actually opened doors for other players to do well. But unfortunately that doesn’t help his cause. Projection: Undrafted
Kyle Korver, Creighton
Key Stats: 5.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3.3 apg, 5-14 fg, 3-7 3pt, 3-4 ft
Korver was one of the top team players in camp, but that unfortunately made him more anonymous in the eyes of NBA scouts. While he shot the ball well from three-point range, he didn’t do as much damage inside the arc. He did, however, pass and handle the ball extremely well and again, was the consummate teammate on the floor. Projection: Possible Second Round
James Lang, Central Park Christian (AL) HS
Key Stats: 10.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.0 bpg, 10-16 fg, 11-12 ft
Lang took a chance as the only high school player to appear in camp, but he acquitted himself well. He showed up in relatively good shape, ran the floor like only he could, and did some damage around the basket, using his long wingspan to shoot over and around taller opponents. Lang went from being possibly undrafted to a borderline first round pick with his inspired play. Projection: Late First, Early Second
Donald Little, Cincinnati
Key Stats: 5.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.0 bpg, 5-11 fg, 6-11 fg
Many questioned Little’s appearance in Chicago due to some of his off-court troubles in the past, but Little stayed a model citizen during his time in camp and tried to silence doubters with his play. He was extremely active inside, and took on all challengers defensively. Offensively, he didn’t show a whole lot and was rather mechanical. He may need more seasoning overseas. Projection: Undrafted
Chris Massie, Memphis
Key Stats: 8.7 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 11-27 fg, 4-11 ft
The top rebounder in camp, Massie had his way in the paint whenever he felt like it. Using his Anthony Mason-like physique, he essentially threw people around as much as the refs allowed it. Offensively, however, he didn’t do much damage outside of the paint – he struggled with his outside shooting and at the free throw line – but excelled at his bread and butter post game. Projection: Second Round
Will McDonald, South Florida
Key Stats: 7.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 6-13 fg, 11-14 ft
After playing well in Portsmouth, a lot was expected out of McDonald at Chicago. Unfortunately he didn’t really deliver. McDonald played OK, but didn’t really show much other than what everyone already knew. He was effectively offensively, but didn’t do much damage on the boards or on the defensive end. He also finished the camp with the most fouls. Projection: Possible Second Round
Ricky Minard, Morehead State
Key Stats: 4.3 ppg, 1.3 apg, 5-18 fg, 1-4 3pt, 2-3 ft
Minard declared for the draft with the full intention of getting an invite to Chicago and testing the waters. Well, that’s in the books – Minard should now return to school for another year. He simply couldn’t get much going offensively and he never really seemed comfortable out on the floor. Hopefully the experience will help him in the upcoming season. Projection: Undrafted
Marcus Moore, Washington State
Key Stats: 9.3 ppg, 3.0 apg, 10-26 fg, 3-13 3pt, 5-9 ft
Moore was another player that many scouts wanted to see handle the point because of his potential as a tall point guard. Unfortunately, Moore didn’t live up to expectations. While he was able to use his height and ball-handling ability to score, he didn’t distribute as well as most would have liked and settled for way too many long threes. He has already announced that he will return to Washington State. Projection: Check back in 2004
Jameer Nelson, St. Joseph’s
Key Stats: 10.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 6.3 apg, 12-22 fg, 0-4 3pt, 7-8 ft
You couldn’t have asked for a better performance than what Nelson gave. He flawlessly ran the point, making all the players around him better, while finding enough openings for his own offense. The key thing with Nelson is that scouts are scared of his sub-six foot height. Nelson has said that if he’s not a guaranteed first round pick he will return to school, so that will be a situation to watch very closely in the coming weeks. Projection: Late First, Early Second
Jeff Newton, Indiana
Key Stats: 5.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 5-20 fg, 0-1 3pt, 5-5 ft
Newton didn’t show much fire on the offensive end, settling for mid to long range jumpers which didn’t fall very often for him. While his offense didn’t click, he did OK on rebounding and on the defensive end, using his athleticism and long arms to grab boards and block shots. He really didn’t distinguish himself from the others in camp. Projection: Undrafted
Uche Nsonwu-Amadi, Wyoming
Key Stats: 7.7 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 9-15 fg, 5-6 ft
A force on the offense and defensive glass, Nsonwu-Amadi effectively used his strength to grab boards despite his lack of height against his opponents. While he converted a high percentage of his shots, he really didn’t show much offensively to separate himself from the other post players in camp. But his boardwork did raise some eyebrows. Projection: Possible Second Round
Ugonna Onyekwe, Pennsylvania
Key Stats: 3.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3-11 fg, 1-2 3pt, 3-7 ft
One of the top leapers in camp – he may have had one of the highest measured verticals – Onyekwe never got anything going on the offensive end after shooting lights out in the drills on the first night. Even his free throw shooting touch deserted him during games. He did remain active on both ends of the floor though. Projection: Undrafted
Marlon Parmer, Kentucky Wesleyan
Key Stats: 5.7 ppg, 4.3 apg, 7-17 fg, 0-1 3pt, 3-4 ft
Parmer was one of the few players in camp that were “veterans”, as he competed in Chicago last year out of New Mexico. This time around, he played OK, directing the offense fairly well and scoring baskets here and there. But he didn’t hit a single three pointer nor grab a single steal all camp long. That says a lot. Projection: Undrafted
Stephane Pelle, Colorado
Key Stats: 5.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 5-15 fg, 6-7 ft
Not blessed with the most athletic ability, Pelle was one of the top blue collar workers in Chicago. He not only scored on some post moves, but also spotted up for some mid-range jumpers and created a little off the dribble. However, he was neither explosive nor consistent offensively to generate much buzz. Projection: Undrafted
Kirk Penney, Wisconsin
Key Stats: 10.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.0 apg, 13-33 fg, 4-14 3pt, 2-3 ft
Penney probably didn’t shoot the ball as well in Chicago as most know he’s capable of. Still, he did find the touch from time to time and often made key buckets during games. As is the case with other guys who are known as shooters, he will have to find a niche with a certain team, but is certainly capable of playing in the league. Projection: Possible Second Round
Josh Powell, North Carolina State
Key Stats: 5.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 6-19 fg, 5-9 ft
After a strong first day in drills, it was mostly downhill the rest of the way for Powell, unfortunately. He did recover in time with a solid last game effort, but in general he tried too hard to make things happen and played out of control. He wasn’t strong enough to do damage inside and didn’t have enough perimeter game to make things happen outside. It’s a shame his family situation precludes him from going back to school. Projection: Possible Second Round
Hollis Price, Oklahoma
Key Stats: 5.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 4.0 apg, 7-15 fg, 1-1 3pt, 1-4 ft
Price was in the mix of several players who scouts wanted to see run an NBA offense. While he didn’t necessarily shine in doing so, he didn’t do too bad either. He played smart, but wasn’t necessarily creative with the ball. He also surprisingly didn’t fire away from long range like we’re used to seeing (only one three-point attempt?). Projection: Possible Second Round
Joe Shipp, California
Key Stats: 7.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 8-22 fg, 1-5 3pt, 5-8 ft
Shipp did a credible job all throughout camp and showed a nice touch from the outside and some good moves at times, but couldn’t quite put it all together on a consistent basis. He was able to use his nice frame on drives inside and created well, but simply didn’t stand out in a camp full of credible shooting guards. Projection: Undrafted
Ron Slay, Tennessee
Key Stats: 4.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 5-22 fg, 2-6 3pt, 2-2 ft
Slay was one player who probably wished he had stayed at home. Although he showed flashes here and there, it’s clear he’s a tweener forward who needs work on his perimeter game. He couldn’t get his outside shot to fall, and didn’t seem to have command of the ball with his handles. He was typically a non-factor in all of the games. Maybe he needed his headband. Projection: Undrafted
Theron Smith, Ball State
Key Stats: 9.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 9-17 fg, 3-5 3pt, 7-9 ft
Does Smith have what it takes to play small forward at the next level? If Chicago was any indication, the answer is yes. Smith created off the dribble, shot the ball well from the outside, and still was able to utilize his strength for buckets in the paint. He was explosive and consistent. That’s all most NBA teams are looking for in the second round. Projection: Second Round
Tommy Smith, Arizona State
Key Stats: 8.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.0 bpg, 10-17 fg, 6-8 ft
Smith had a decent camp in Chicago. He shot the ball pretty well from the perimeter, and was active on the boards, especially the offensive glass. As was the case his entire college career, he still seemed to shy away from contact and didn’t seem to stand out from the rest of the pack. Projection: Possible Second Round
Marvin Stone, Louisville
Key Stats: 8.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 11-21 fg, 0-1 3pt, 3-6 ft
Stone performed admirably all throughout camp as a presence down low on both ends, while stepping out and consistently hitting the mid-range shot. The question is, is he explosive enough? He got down and dirty and was solid on the defensive glass, but really didn’t do anything that raised anyone’s eyebrows. Projection: Second Round
Aleksander Vujacic, Yugoslavia-Italy
Key Stats: 4.3 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 3.3 apg, 4-13 fg, 3-6 3pt, 2-2 ft
Several observers were intrigued by Vujacic, particularly his ability to handle and pass the ball as a tall point guard. While he does have a good feel for the game and racked up some assists, he didn’t drive to the basket much (hardly ever went to his left) and wasn’t particularly creative with the ball. He was also a streak shooter from the outside. But he’s European and has potential. Projection: Second Round
Wayne Wallace, Virginia Union
Key Stats: 10.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.7 bpg, 12-22 fg, 8-13 ft
Known as Wayne Taylor a year ago, and by his nickname ‘Hugh’ two years ago, the nephew of Pistons star Ben Wallace might have come to Chicago with nobody knowing who he was (who could with all those name changes) – but at the end of camp, they knew him well. Like his uncle, Wallace was all over the court on both ends, finishing as the camp’s top shot-blocker and amongst the leaders in scoring and rebounding. He’s extremely raw, but extremely active as well. Projection: Possible Second Round
Luke Walton, Arizona
Key Stats: 7.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 6.0 apg, 8-19 fg, 3-4 3pt, 4-6 ft
Walton was one of the top performers in camp, even though he was nowhere near the leaders in scoring or rebounding. It was his passing that drew oohs and ahhs from the crowd on several occasions. He was a tremendous compliment to his teammates and did find time to show off a decent outside touch, while simply showing a great knowledge of the game. He’ll never be a star in the NBA, but should have a long career. Projection: Second Round
Maurice Williams, Alabama
Key Stats: 11.0 ppg, 2.5 apg, 9-20 fg, 0-3 3pt, 4-4 ft
Another guy who was very much basing his performance in Chicago as whether or not to stay in the draft, Williams played OK although he could have played better. He showed a good scoring touch and handled the ball well, although he didn’t rack up many assists. An injured ankle kept him out of the last game. If he returns to school he could come back as a surefire first rounder next year. Projection: Late First, Early Second
Wesley Wilson, Georgetown
Key Stats: 8.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 7-13 fg, 10-14 ft
The latest in a long line of big men from Georgetown, Wilson is on the lower end in terms of skill compared to his predecessors. However, he is a big body. But although he was able to utilize his bulk inside to score some points in the paint, he only managed to grab seven total rebounds. That’s a travesty. He also led the camp in fouls. Projection: Undrafted
Doug Wrenn, Washington
Key Stats: 4.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.0 apg, 6-17 fg, 1-2 ft
Until the very last day of camp, Wrenn was practically a non-entity in Chicago. He couldn’t generate any offense inside or out, and was constantly turning the ball over. A 13 point game in his finale made up for some of the problems, but in general it was a miserable trip to Chicago for Wrenn. Look for him in an NBDL game near you. Projection: Undrafted
Derrick Zimmerman, Mississippi State
Key Stats: 5.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 5.0 apg, 6-15 fg, 5-12 ft
If athleticism were all it took to be an NBA player, Zimmerman would be a sure-fire first rounder. Absolutely nobody could contain Zimmerman’s quickness, and his spectacular leaping ability led to a couple of highlight reel dunks. He also created plenty of opportunities for his teammates. But he also turned the ball over too much and couldn’t buy a jumpshot. But his athleticism is enticing. Projection: Possible Second Round
While no official all-camp team was announced, if I had to choose my personal Top Five, it would have been:
G – Troy Bell
G – Jameer Nelson
G – Keith Bogans
F – Luke Walton
F – Robert Jackson
With the camp now over, the focus now goes on to individual workouts with NBA teams for all the players.
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