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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

A CLOSER LOOK

The Spokesman-Review

A thumbnail look at possible first-round selections in the NBA draft to be held Wednesday in New York:

LaMarcus Aldridge, f-c, Texas, 6-11, 240 (15.0 ppg, 9.2 rpg)

Early entry. … A typical NBA post player: long, athletic and versatile. … Uses his body to create position on the offensive end. … Smart, runs the floor well. … Averaged two blocked shots a game with his quickness. … Can score with back to the basket or hit the midrange jumper. … Needs to get stronger.

Andrea Bargnani, f, (Italy), 6-10, 225 (10.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg)

Early entry. … Top-rated international prospect. … Skilled offensive player. … Has range past the 3-point line and can get his shot off over the defender. … Can beat the defender off the dribble. … Has a quick release. … Strong defender down low. … Decent rebounder. … Needs to get stronger. … Will have trouble covering NBA wing players.

Rudy Gay, f, Connecticut, 6-9, 220, (15.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg)

Early entry. … Versatile, can score from anywhere on the floor. … He can shut down most opposing small forwards. … His length and leaping ability make him an excellent rebounder and shot blocker from the wing. … Inconsistent, sometimes disappears on the floor. … A little too passive for the skills he possesses.

Adam Morrison, f, Gonzaga, 6-8, 205 (28.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg)

Early entry. … A scorer with the complete offensive repertoire. … A true competitor, leaves it all on the floor. … Constant motion on offense. … Can create for himself. … Wants the ball at crunch time. … Average rebounder. … A defensive liability. … Will struggle guarding NBA wing players.

Patrick O’Bryant, c, Bradley, 7-0, 260 (13.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg)

Early entry. … Has an exceptionally large wingspan for blocking shots and rebounds. … Good agility for a 7-footer and runs the court well. … Has solid post moves. … Needs to get stronger to be effective on the next level. … Average free-throw shooter.

J.J. Redick, g, Duke, 6-4, 190 (26.8 ppg, 2.7 apg)

The all-time leading scorer for Duke and ACC. … Scored the most 3-pointers (457) and finished with highest free-throw accuracy (.912) in NCAA history. … Pure shooter with great range. … Always in motion. … Great work ethic. … Not an NBA-caliber defender or passer. … Needs to improve his ball-handling skills.

Brandon Roy, g, Washington, 6-6, 215 (20.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.1 apg)

Has it all on offense: can shoot, dribble, penetrate and pass. … Intelligent and fearless. … Makes good decisions and plays under control. … Better-than-average rebounder and foul shooter. … Can beat his man off the dribble. … Solid defender. … Needs to improve consistency with outside shot.

Tyrus Thomas, f, LSU, 6-9, 215 (12.3 ppg, 9.2 rpg)

Early entry. … Played one season at LSU. … SEC Freshman of the Year. … Tremendous leaping ability. … Excellent rebounder and shot blocker. … Has a soft touch and shoots for a high percentage. … Runs the floor like a guard. … Finishes strongly going to the rim. … Needs to add weight.

Marcus Williams, g, Connecticut, 6-3, 205 (12.3 ppg, 8.6 apg)

Early entry. … Great point guard skills: court vision and terrific passer. … Clutch free-throw shooter. … Excels in open court. … Can control the tempo of a game. … Average defender. … Needs to work on his outside shot. … Off-court problems could scare some GMs.

Shelden Williams, f, Duke, 6-9, 250 (18.7 ppg, 10.6 rpg)

ACC Defensive Player of the Year. … Prolific rebounder and shot blocker. … Strong while dominating the paint. … Goes hard every possession. … Needs to improve on the offensive end. … Will have to develop more of an outside game and more moves in the post.

Associated Press