howard

Draft Buzz 2/18/04

By Aran Smith Making the "Jump" It may not be what’s best for the NBA. It’s definitely not what’s best for the NCAA. However, for a young 18 year old phenom who can guarantee financial security by turning pro out of high school, it is often what is best for the individual and their family.…

Okafor

Draft Buzz 2/11/04

By Aran Smith Okafor On Top Emeka Okafor has taken over the top spot on the latest mock draft. With his consistent play all season, combined with scouts feeling that Dwight Howard has a ways to go before being ready to produce in the NBA, it’s starting to look more and more like Okafor will…

uconn

Draft Buzz 1/14/04

By Aran Smith Team to Beat With UConn’s 86-59 dismantling of #6 Oklahoma Sunday, the Huskies have re-solidified their dominance upon the country and definitely look like the team to beat for the National Championship. Only Duke seems to have a legitimate chance to beat them. Stanford has looked like the next best team with…

gordon

Draft Buzz 11/22/03

Draft Buzz 11/22/03 By Aran Smith Super Duo Everyone has Emeka Okafor as a consensus All American and leading pre-season POY candidate. However it could be his teammate Ben Gordon that walks away with the Wooden award. His 37 point performance against Nevada included a play (which may become symbolic of their seasons) in which…

Draft Buzz 11/16/03

By Aran Smith Latvian Wonder Latvian center/power forward Andris Biedrins has jumped into the mix as a projected top 5 pick this year with incredible performances in the first month of the season playing in Latvia. Granted, the Latvian league isn’t the creme de la creme of Europe, but it is decent enough to make…

Draft Buzz 6/26/03

By Aran Smith, Justin Young and Matthew Maurer Operation Draft Day Check back here for more "Draft Buzz" (up to and during the draft) as it comes in: 9:21 EST The trade turned out to be (Memphis) Marcus Banks at 13 and Kendrick Perkins which will be at 27 to the Celtics for 16 and…

Draft Buzz 6/25/03

By Aran Smith Draft Eve Buzz A number of sources have indicated that teams appear to have Marcus Banks ranked over Luke Ridnour and Reece Gaines. Seattle likes Banks and the Griz aren’t looking for a PG. Knowing that, the Sonics can address their need for a bigman with their 12th pick and grab Banks…

Draft Buzz 6/19/03

One Week Away Buzz By Aran Smith Podkolzine, Khryapa Out Pavel Podkolzine has pulled out of the draft. He was unable to get a guarantee in the area that he wanted and therefore didn’t want to take the chance that he would dip too low in the draft. His buyout is considerable, and if he…

podkolzin01

Draft Buzz 6/6/03

By Aran Smith Jack and the Beanstalk The "Siberian Bear" is out of Hibernation. Pavel Podkolzine‘s workout went unbelievable according to sources. He is a bigman who can shoot threes and has incredible mobility. One source even speculated he could go as high as third overall! He is obviously very raw but for many teams…

darko01

Draft Buzz “Uberfreaks” 5/29/03

By Aran Smith "Uberfreaks" They’re big, they’re European, they’re highly skilled and athletic, they’re scoring machines, and they’re all the rage in the NBA right now. First came German sensation Dirk Nowitzki who initially shined in the Hoop Summit game before being drafted 9th in the 1998 NBA Draft. After a rough first year, Dirk…

outlaw02

Draft Buzz 5/15/03

By Aran Smith Mass Exodus The Early Entry deadline (May 12) has come and gone. The past week-and-a-half has been a whirlwind. Each day it seemed as if another 3-5 underclassmen would throw their name into the hopper. With everything spinning out of control, the pinball machine of the NBA draft is now flashing TILT.…

sophocles01

Draft Buzz 5/6/03

By Aran Smith NBADraft.net recently spoke with agent Marc Fleisher who represents a number of European prospects, as well as American players. Fleisher has built an impressive track record bringing European players to the NBA. Because of this, his players normally get a long and extensive evaluation from NBA teams. Fleisher’s success stories bringing Europeans…

darko1

Draft Buzz 4/28/03

By Aran Smith Darko Milicic Declares NBADraft.net recently spoke with Marc Cornstein, agent for Darko Milicic, and learned that he has sent in his early-entry paperwork to the NBA. As of April 28th, Milicic is projected as the 2nd pick in the draft by NBADraft.net and will battle Carmelo for that selection. NBA Scouts are…

lampe

Draft Buzz 4/22/03

By Aran Smith Darko vs Melo A hot topic at the moment is just how much Carmelo Anthony improved his stock with Syracuse’s run to the National Championship. Surprisingly, it’s possible it hasn’t improved his draft position at all. While NBA scouts believe he’s solidified a spot within the top 3 picks of the draft,…