Potential NBA First-Round Draft Picks

Sketches of potential first-round choices in Wednesday’s NBA draft (ppg-points per game; rpg-rebounds; bpg-blocks; apg-assists):

VIN BAKER, Hartford 6-11, 232; 28.3 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 2.6 bpg Good athlete who played center in college but may be better suited for small forward in the pros. . . . Comparisons range from Brad Sellers (7-footer who can’t play NBA pivot), to taller Scottie Pippen. Portland personnel director Bucky Buckwalter calls Baker an “outstanding prospect who can rebound and dribble 94 feet or make the outlet pass equally well.” . . . Long arms, quick feet, good range (17 feet) on jumper. “He can hit the college three-pointer, or go inside and use his quick post moves. This kid has a lot of skills.”--Dallas director of scouting Keith Grant. . . . Expected to go in lottery (top 11 picks). CORIE BLOUNT, Cincinnati 6-10, 242; 11.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg Missed part of senior year due to NCAA questions about eligibility, but came back to lead team in rebounding. . . . Limited offensively, but size and long arms lead to loads of blocked and altered shots. . . . Very quick and agile for near 7-footer. . . . Poor free-throw shooter (57%) . . . Late bloomer (24 years old) who is still developing. SHAWN BRADLEY, BYU 7-6, 250; 14.8 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 5.2 bpg Has potential to be one of game’s all-time best centers. The NBA has never seen such a package of size and coordination. Sure to be rusty after two-year layoff (Mormon mission in Australia), but enters draft at right time, a good big man in center-poor class. . . . Set freshman mark for rejections at Brigham Young (177). . . . Agile, good passer and consistent jumper from 12 feet. . . . A tremendous competitor and intimidator. . . . The next Rik Smits? “He’s not just a shot-blocker,” said Golden State general manager-coach Don Nelson. “He’s got great hands, he can pass, he can score from outside or in the box and he can make free throws. He’s an amazing tall person. I don’t think we’ve ever seen a guy like him in the league.” EVERS BURNS, Maryland 6-8, 260; 18.5 ppg, 8.9 rpg Wide-body who impressed scouts at Portsmouth and Phoenix all-star games (All-Tourney teams at both venues). . . . Big and heavy-legged, but not blubbery like Oliver Miller. . . . Played some center for Terrapins, and has strong post moves. . . . Has good range (12-15 feet) on turnaround jumper and rarely takes bad shot. . . . Improved stats each year in school. SCOTT BURRELL, Connecticut 6-7, 218; 16.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg Great athlete who has been a baseball pitcher two years in Toronto system. . . . Had mediocre senior year, but made All-Tournament squad in Phoenix (11 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.3 apg in 3 games). . . . Good shooter, but was nagged by injuries last season. . . . Will see action at small forward and big guard. . . . Expected to do great things, but never did. Possible baseball future clouds draft outlook. SAM CASSELL, Florida State 6-3, 195; 18.3 ppg, 4.9 apg One of the best one-on-one players in the country, but a point guard with a shooter’s mentality. . . . Played the point in Charlie Ward’s absence. . . . Has long range, but streaky (7-7 three-pointers against Tulane, 1-5 versus Western Kentucky in NCAA tourney). . . . Explosive scorer, but inconsistent. . . . Good speed, moves well without ball. . . . Competitive man whose temper may be his worst enemy. CALBERT CHEANEY, Indiana 6-7, 209; 22.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg “The sweetest shot in all of college basketball.”--St. John’s assistant Ron Rutledge. . . . Will probably be the first senior selected in a draft top-heavy with underclassmen. . . . Could be awesome shooting guard in pros with size and athleticism. . . . Handles ball well and can create own shot. . . . Good defensive player. . . . Hits free-throws (80%). . . . Only worry may be lack of success in the NBA by those who have matriculated at Indiana. TERRY DEHERE, Seton Hall 6-4, 190; 22.0 ppg, 3 rpg A smooth, graceful performer who excels in big games. Unstoppable offensively when going good, but very streaky. . . . Has NBA three-point range and quick first step going to basket. . . . Good ballhandler and passer who may see some time at point. . . . “He’s inconsistent,” says Bullets head scout Bill Gardiner. “I don’t think he’s a pro shooter. He won’t score in the pros (as he did in college).” SPENCER DUNKLEY, Delaware 6-11, 238; 19.2 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 3.3 bpg Had great numbers in games against Vin Baker. Didn’t play organized ball until senior year of high school. . . . “Raw, but has big-time desire and agility. Dunkley will play in the league.”--NBA scout Walt Szcerbiak. . . . Was a star in soccer, track and cricket in native England. . . . Runs floor well, good leaper and shot-blocker. . . . Limited offensively, awkward with few post moves. . . . Improved greatly on free-throws (59% as junior to 76 last year). ACIE EARL, Iowa 6-10, 240; 16.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 2.8 bpg Large man who worked hard and improved greatly in four years. . . . Takes strange-looking shots and has unorthodox style of play, but does job well. . . . Has good touch and range (17 feet). . . . Scouts question his mobility and athleticism. . . . Plays a physical game. . . . Slumped somewhat after super junior season (19.5 ppg, 4 bpg). . . . Can’t stay with NBA power forwards due to lack of quickness, but size and shot-blocking skills make him legitimate pivot man. DOUGLAS EDWARDS, Florida State 6-9, 220; 18.3 ppg, 9.4 rpg Versatile player will see time at both forward spots. . . . A poor’s man Jamal Mashburn, a player who does all things well, but none great. . . . “He needs to be in an unselfish system to succeed.”--Miami coach Leonard Hamilton. . . . Has good skills, but was probably under-utilized. . . . Has consistent medium range jumper, and has been good rebounder. . . . Good passer . . . Works hard on defense, but is smooth and stays away from foul trouble. . . . Needs to add some bulk to play with NBA power guys. GREG GRAHAM, Indiana 6-4, 183; 16.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg Another Hoosier who will be a fairly high pick. . . . Really helped chances with outstanding NCAA tourney and was named MVP of Phoenix Desert Classic (11.7 ppg, 3.3 apg). . . . Great shooter and emerging as playmaker. . . . Will see action at point in pros. . . . Excellent free-throw shooter (82%). . . . Good first step and has ability to penetrate, but was more standup shooter in school. . . . Tough defensively. JOSH GRANT, Utah 6-9, 223; 17.3 ppg, 10.7 rpg Turns 26 in August, likely oldest player to be drafted. . . . Had terrific senior campaign after redshirting 1991-92 due to knee injury. . . . Good inside and outside skills (40% on three-pointers). . . . Can rebound and handle the ball. . . . Good assist-to-turnover ratio. . . . Made 92% of foul shots as senior. . . . Not great leaper or rejector. . . . Scouts note lack of speed. GEERT HAMMINK, Louisiana State 7-0, 262; 15.3 ppg, 10.2 rpg Shaq’s caddy for two seasons, started last year and led Southeast Conference in rebounding. . . . Made All-SEC first team. . . . Has wide build, but good mobility. . . . Needs to get more physical. . . . Averaged a board every three minutes. . . . Has good sweeping hook, and range to 19 feet. . . . Did not play well at Phoenix (3 ppg and 3 rpg), but had 13 points and six boards in 19 minutes at NABC All-Star game. . . . Not quick and not a good shot stopper for size. ANFERNEE HARDAWAY, Memphis State 6-7, 195; 22.8 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 6.4 apg A spectacular, but erratic, talent. Crowd-pleasing skills with charismatic style of play. . . . Size and point guard play draw comparisons to Magic Johnson. Should flourish there. . . . Great competitor with strong desire to win. . . . “At times, I thought I was looking in the mirror, he reminds me of myself so much.”--Magic Johnson. . . . Great quickness, moves and excellent penetrator. . . . Shot selection questionable, but a clutch performer. “ . . . He should be the No. 1 point guard taken. He can also play off-guard, but at the point, he’ll make others better.”--Bullets scout Bill Gardiner. SCOTT HASKIN, Oregon State 6-11, 250; 16.7 ppg, 8.2 rpg Had less than stellar senior season, but still expected to go late first round. . . . Oregon State’s all-time leader in rejections. . . . Improved mightily during college career. . . . Averaged over nine rebounds at Phoenix post-season tourney. . . . No exceptional skills, but size and bulk will get him drafted. THOMAS HILL, Duke 6-5, 200; 15.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg Underrated player who, through hard work and smarts, made himself a pro prospect. . . . Plays tough, in-your-face defense. . . . Great athlete who can sky, with quickness and good first step. . . . Acrobatic slammer. . . . Needs to improve shot, although never a real scoring option on talented Duke teams. . . . Good size at position and rebounds well enough. . . . May blossom with more playing time. ALLAN HOUSTON, Tennessee 6-6, 200; 22.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg Pure shooter with excellent all-around skills. . . . Long range with good height for two-guard. . . . Explosive scorer, can create shot. . . . Excellent foul-shooter (88% as senior). . . . Only question is toughness, both physical and mental. . . . Good passer and unselfish player who led team in assists three of four years. . . . Good rebounder and works hard on defense. BOBBY HURLEY, Duke 6-0, 165; 17.0 ppg, 8.2 apg The ultimate unselfish point guard. NCAA’s all-time assist leader . . . Superb court vision with tremendous confidence and desire to succeed. . . . Aggresive, but always under control and rarely distracted. . . . Excellent assist-to-turnover numbers (2 1/2 to 1). . . . Can penetrate and dish to open man, lobs alley-oop better than anyone. . . . Underrated as shooter, connecting on 42% of treys as senior. . . . Durable (36 minutes per game), tough defense. . . . Good free-throw shooter (nearly 80%). . . . Detractors say he may not be big enough. “I’m not sure how he’ll stand up to the physical aspect of the NBA.”--St. John’s assistant Ron Rutledge. ERVIN JOHNSON, New Orleans 6-11, 242; 18.4 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 2.7 bpg Was bagging groceries at Baton Rouge supermarket before sprouting to nearly 7 feet. . . . Will be 26 in December. . . . Hustles, with a Dennis Rodman-like enthusiasm. . . . Great work ethic, strong leaper and rebounder, especially on offensive end. . . . Coachable, a team player. . . . Raw offensively, mostly dunks and a short (8 foot) jumper. . . . Has bad habits, keeping hands low where guards can grab ball. “He doesn’t establish position in the post well. He’s not a particularly inviting target.”--Portland personnel director Bucky Buckwalter. GEORGE LYNCH, North Carolina 6-8, 218; 14.7 ppg, 9.6 rpg Strong, physical player who will have to adjust to small forward after playing power spot in school. . . . Excellent rebounder . . . Good athlete with quick hands. . . . Offense consisted of lay-ups, dunks and put-backs of offensive glass. . . . Good defensive player who usually covers high scoring opponents. . . . Unselfish player, but question is whether he can make transition to different position. MALCOLM MACKEY, Georgia Tech 6-11, 248; 15.6 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 2 bpg True power play who was Georgia Tech’s all-time leading rebounder. . . . Durable, manages to play 35 minutes despite foul trouble. . . . Runs floor well and is good passer. . . . Needs to be more aggressive on offense. Has nice touch, but must develop stronger post moves. . . . Seems only to lack desire. . . . Made All-Tournament team at Phoenix (15.3 ppg, 7 rpg, 2.3 bpg). JAMAL MASHBURN, Kentucky 6-8, 240; 21.0 ppg, 8.4 rpg Athletic, powerfully built forward who can light up the scoreboard. . . . Has strong inside game and up to NBA three-point range. . . . Good post-up moves with great confidence in shot. . . . Quick release reminiscent of Bernard King. . . . Tremendous skill level, but some scouts question his desire. . . . Unselfish--maybe too much--handles ball well and looks for teammates. . . . Good rebounder with fine ballhandling skills. . . . Vocal leader and strong competitor. Expected to be among the top three selections. CHRIS MILLS, Arizona 6-6, 216; 20.4 ppg, 7.9 rpg Became a much more consistent player last season. . . . Versatile, saw time at all five positions. . . . Will probably play small forward and big guard in NBA. . . . Made 48% of threes last year. . . . Likes to drive to basket and post smaller players. . . . Comfortable mixing it up inside. . . . Has long arms and is fine rebounder. . . . Hit 81% of foul shots. . . . Needs to improve quickness and ballhandling to play off-guard, smallish for forward. . . . Quietly gets job done. . . . “He’s been a great leader for us, but I’d like to see a lot more toughness.”--Arizona coach Lute Olson. BO OUTLAW, Houston 6-8, 210; 16.2 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 3.8 bpg Two-time Southwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year. . . . Incredible leaper and shot-blocker. . . . Led nation in field goal percentage (66) for second straight season. . . . Large majority of shots high-percentage (dunks, put-backs) and almost never shoots from beyond four feet. . . . Virtually no outside shot and no low-post moves. . . . Extremely strong despite thin frame, long arms with 36-inch vertical leap. . . . Very similar to Dennis Rodman. . . . Surprising good passer, but rarely put the ball on the floor. . . . Played almost exclusively at center. . . . “If he could shoot just a teeny bit he’d be the No. 1 pick in the country.”--Portland’s personnel director Bucky Buckwalter. J.R. RIDER, UNLV 6-5, 215; 29.1 ppg, 8.9 rpg Scoring machine with outstanding one-on-one moves and terrific range. . . . Athletic skywalker with 41-inch vertical leap. Future slam-dunk king. . . . Hard to defend because of strength and quickness. . . . Loves to post-up and use short-range jumper. . . . Great rebounder and leaper. . . . 83% free-throw shooter. . . . Very good shooter (52% FG). . . . May have difficulty playing quick NBA guards. . . . “An explosive scorer. He’s the best shooting guard prospect in the draft.”--Bullets scout Bill Gardiner. JAMES ROBINSON, Alabama 6-2, 180; 20.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg Exciting and explosive player who can really score. . . . Also an unconscious gunner who is shoot first, pass second. . . . Too small for shooting guard, will have to learn to play with teammates to be point man. . . . Turnovers far outnumbered assists last year. . . . Brash, known to have disagreements with coach. . . . Tough to stop one-on-one, but not particularly interested in passing or defense. RODNEY ROGERS, Wake Forest 6-7, 235; 21.2 ppg, 7.4 rpg Rock-solid, loves to bull down low, but can also hit 20-footer. . . . Made 37% of three-pointers last season. . . . Wide body extremely hard to stop underneath. . . . Rebounding fell off some last season, but can be relentess on the boards and should be a double-figure man in the pros. . . . Tough, with the quickness of a small forward and the oomph of a power guy. Good touch, does bulk of scoring from 12 feet . . . A versatile, LaPhonso Ellis-type with a body like Anthony Mason. ED STOKES, Arizona 7-0, 264; 11.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg Skilled big man, but major underachiever in college. . . . Great body and loads of potential, but appears to be another in long line of soft players from Southern California area. . . . Large, athletic man with long arms who can run the floor and dominate smaller defenders. . . . Lacks consistency and concentration. . . . Improved tremendously from free-throw line, going from 53% during first three seasons to 72 last year. . . . “A bit of street toughness wouldn’t hurt.”--Portland’s Bucky Buckwalter. NICK VAN EXEL, Cincinnati 6-1, 171; 18.3 ppg, 4.5 apg Offensive-minded point man, another shoot-first, pass-second guard. . . . Streaky shooter with long range, field goal percentage dropped to 39 as senior. . . . Has quick release and good first step. . . . Has to learn to distribute ball better. . . . Arrogant, aggressive player who loves to talk on the court. . . . Reminds some of Tiny Archibald, except he creates only for himself. REX WALTERS, Kansas 6-4, 190; 15.3 ppg, 4.3 apg An emotional player with good size and strength for the two-guard spot. . . . Good jumper and pure shooter (43% three-pointers). . . . Excellent free-throw shooter (85%). . . . Versatile offensive performer who can penetrate and create his shot. . . . Good passer and ballhandler, will likely see time at the point. . . . Very intense competitor. . . . Compared to Golden State’s Sarunas Marciulionis. CHRIS WEBBER, Michigan 6-9, 245; 19.2 ppg, 10.1 rpg Awesome skills, ready to be impact player in pros. . . . Has been likened to smaller Shaquille O’Neal, powerful build, athletic with nasty streak. . . . Has unusual quickness and agility for size. . . . Great hands, is unstoppable down low. . . . Great rebounder, tough in the paint. . . . Decent shooter with 20-foot range. . . . Can handle ball and is explosive dunker. . . . Good passer and low post defender. . . . Will have to improve foul shooting. . . . Will probably go first overall to Orlando. “Sure he’s ready. What he does he does as well or better than any other college player. He rebounds and blocks shots. He’s extremely proficient.”--Philadelphia general manager Jim Lynam. LUTHER WRIGHT, Seton Hall 7-2, 270; 9.0 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 2.2 bpg Super wide body who came out of college too early. . . . Played only two years at Seton Hall, and made great strides last year. . . . Still, one more year would have been beneficial. . . . Intimidating and physically imposing, takes up plenty of space in the paint. . . . Doesn’t handle ball often, but has good hands. . . . Has trouble keeping focus and is inconsistent. . . . Is capable of dominating, and had strong game against North Carolina’s Eric Montross. . . . Fragile psyche needs constant attention. . . . “He never showed that much in college. But someone will take a shot. . . . with him you’re looking two years down the road, and even then you’re gambling.”--Bullets head scout Bill Gardiner.