NBA draft early entries (5-13-03)

[HawkTodd]

NBA draft early entries. (5-13-03)

http://msn.espn.go.com/nba/s/2003/0414/1538762.html

Here are the underclassmen who have officially declared for the 2003 NBA draft.

Carmelo Anthony

College: Syracuse

Class: Freshman | Position: Forward | Ht: 6-8 | Wt: 220

2002-03 Stats: 22.7 ppg | 10.0 rpg

Andy Katz's take: Carmelo Anthony doesn't have anything left to accomplish in college. But in the NBA, he's got to get in better shape to play an 82-game season. Anthony can score at will and from a variety of ways. No one in the NBA is worried about his ability to finish, either. Defense can be disguised if he's slow afoot. He's clearly the best college player, with no second place in sight. He's a lock to go no lower than No. 3 and could move up to No. 2 if a team isn't as thrilled with Darko Milicic.

Draft Projection: Top three in lottery.

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Mario Austin

College: Mississippi State

Class: Junior | Position: Forward | Ht: 6-9 | Wt: 260

2002-03 Stats: 15.8 ppg | 7.8 rpg

Andy Katz's take: Scouts do like Austin's toughness and desire to get better. He proved that throughout the season. But he's still considered a bit undersized for his position. His game continues to move further from the basket and that could be a good thing if he can play small forward. Workouts will be critical for Austin's draft status.

Draft Projection: Late lottery to mid-first round.

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Ronald Blackshear

College: Marshall

Class: Junior | Position: Guard | Ht: 6-5 | Wt: 210

2002-03 Stats: 20.3 ppg | 3.6 rpg

Andy Katz's take: No one is quite sure why he didn't stay in school. There is absolutely no buzz on Blackshear. But he might be able to swing an invite to Chicago. If he gets there then he's got to prove he belongs in this draft. He's a scorer with questionable defensive skills.

Draft Projection: Second round to undrafted.

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Chris Bosh

College: Georgia Tech

Class: Freshman | Position: Forward | Ht: 6-10 | Wt: 210

2002-03 Stats: 15.7 ppg | 9.0 rpg

Andy Katz's take: Scouts are in love with Bosh's game and his potential. He should go in the lottery, even though he didn't have a dominating seasons. Bosh had his moments and was one of the top three freshmen big men in the country with Arizona State's Ike Diogu and Boston College's Craig Smith. His shot blocking skills and mid-range game excite nearly every NBA team. He would have had a chance to go even higher next season, but he's still a good bet for the middle of the lottery. Don't be shocked to see him stay in the draft.

Draft Projection: Early to mid lottery.

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Ndudi Ebi

High School: Houston Westbury Christian

Class: Senior | Position: Forward | Ht: 6-10 | Wt: 195

2002-03 Stats: 23.3 ppg | 11.6 rpg

Andy Katz's take: This was Arizona's worst fear. Ebi has a legitimate chance to go in the first round. Ebi has the skills to tantalize pro scouts. He could still go to Arizona, but the Wildcats will have to wait and see if he's a first-round draft pick. If he is, then he'll stay in the draft. If he's not, then the Wildcats need to make that clear before June 19. Ebi can go through the draft, get picked and still go to college, but an NBA team would own his rights until a year after his eligibility expires.

Draft Projection: Late first to second round.

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Andre Emmett

College: Texas Tech

Class: Junior | Position: Guard | Ht: 6-5 | Wt: 229

2002-03 Stats: 21.8 ppg | 6.6 rpg

Andy Katz's take: Emmett could be just testing the draft waters to see how hot he is with the NBA. If he goes to Chicago and excels then he's gone. That would be a crushing blow to Texas Tech next season. Emmett is a sensational scorer but Bob Knight has never been thrilled with his defense. If he improves at that end then he's got a shot to get into the first round at some point. But another season would certainly help his game, not to mention his stock with the NBA.

Draft Projection: Likely in the second round.

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Carl English

College: Hawaii

Class: Junior | Position: Guard | Ht: 6-5 | Wt: 205

2002-03 Stats: 19.6 ppg | 5.4 rpg

Andy Katz's take: If he can play the point then English has a chance to go late first round. Scouts are enamored with his shooting touch. Plenty of scouts did check him out in Hawaii and on the mainland. Getting publicity in SI and in the Magazine certainly helped his cause.

Draft Projection: Late first to second round.

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Marquis Estill

College: Kentucky

Class: Junior | Position: Forward | Ht: 6-9 | Wt: 236

2002-03 Stats: 11.6 ppg | 5.9 rpg

Andy Katz's take: Kentucky was the No. 1 team in the country heading into the NCAA Tournament, but it didn't have a player who was a lock for the first round. The only player who could come close was Estill. He has low-post scoring ability, but he's got to prove in a workout that he's capable of scoring against tough competition every possession. Scouts are still leary of his offensive skills to commit a guaranteed contract. He's a bubble first-round pick.

Draft Projection: Early second round.

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T.J. Ford

College: Texas

Class: Sophomore | Position: Guard | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 165

2002-03 Stats: 15.1 ppg | 7.7 apg

Andy Katz's take: The winner of the Wooden and Naismith awards, and ESPN.com's National Player of the Year, Ford is the best point guard in the draft. He could be an instant hit in the pros despite his size and reservations about his shot. He gets into the lane as quickly as any NBA guard. He's a winner, a leader, and one of the best passers entering the NBA in the last couple of seasons. He'll be an instant hit for whichever city he plays.

Draft projection: Mid-lottery

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Jarvis Hayes

College: Georgia

Class: Junior | Position: Guard | Ht: 6-7 | Wt: 220

2002-03 Stats: 18.3 ppg | 4.4 rpg

Andy Katz's take: Hayes missed out on a chance to shine in the NCAA Tournament. But he didn't need the publicity. Scouts see him as a true NBA two guard. He's got the ball skills to play far out on the perimeter, owns a mid-range game and can slash to the basket. His stock is soaring.

Draft Projection: Lottery.

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LeBron James

High School: St. Vincent-St. Mary (Akron, Ohio)

Class: Senior | Position: Guard | Ht: 6-8 | Wt: 210

2002-03 Stats: 30.4 ppg | 9.7 rpg

Andy Katz's take: James is the unquestioned No. 1 pick in the 2003 NBA draft. We have discussed at length why he will go ahead of Carmelo Anthony and Darko Milicic. But the obvious reason is this: he can deliver dollars. James will put people in the seats and sell jerseys and anything else. He's also the most versatile player in the draft. He can play point, big guard, or small forward. He has been a great scorer in high school, even though his shot has been questionable at times. But his best attribute might be his passing. His court vision has been tremendous and he's the type of player who will make everyone better for having played with him. He has an NBA body and mentality to make the jump after playing with pros the past two summers. The only question early will be his ability to handle the hype.

Draft Projection: Overall No. 1 pick

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Chris Kaman

College: Central Michigan

Class: Junior | Position: Center | Ht: 7-0 | Wt: 255

2002-03 Stats: 22.4 ppg | 12.0 rpg

Andy Katz's take: Kaman is probably the best low-post player in the draft. He could go as high as No. 4. His stock skyrocketed in the NCAA Tournament, when he had a big game against Creighton and held his own against Duke. Kaman could be another one of those MAC players who will succeed in the NBA.

Draft Projection: Mid-lottery.

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James Lang

High School: Central Park Christian High School

Class: Senior | Position: Center | Ht: 6-11 | Wt: 305

2002-03 Stats: N/A

Andy Katz's take: Lang's size scares a number of scouts. He's pushing 315 pounds and never has been able to get his body in shape. Scouts weren't pleased with his work ethic at the McDonald's practices, and saw that he wasn't in the kind of condition to make the jump to the NBA. But Lang is determined to spurn offers for Louisville, Alabama, UAB or Kentucky. He says he's staying in the draft without reservation.

Draft Projection: Second round to undrafted.

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Antonio Lawrence

College: San Jose State

Class: Freshman | Position: Forward | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 190

2002-03 Stats: 11.3 ppg | 6.2 rpg

Andy Katz's take: This is a major mistake by Lawrence. He's simply not good enough to be selected, and he had the potential if he stayed in school and worked on his game. But scouts need a lot more convincing before they would select Lawrence. Apparently, there are financial issues for Lawrence, but being unemployed and not going to school doesn't seem like good options. Lawrence could be headed for a hard road in trying to be a pro.

Draft Projection: Undrafted.

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Erazem Lorbek

College: Michigan State

Class: Freshman | Position: Forward | Ht: 6-10 | Wt: 240

2002-03 Stats: 6.4 ppg | 3.3 rpg

Andy Katz's take: NBA teams were lining up to see the Slovenian during October but lost interest in the middle of the season. Lorbek started to improve as he got used to the American game. He added some strength and got tougher playing for Tom Izzo. But he clearly needed more reps before making the jump to the NBA. Lorbek would have had a better chance of getting drafted in the first round had he never arrived at Michigan State. Scouts are enamored with foreigners, especially the players who have never stepped foot in America.

Draft Projection: Second round.

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Ricky Minard

College: Morehead State

Class: Junior | Position: Guard | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 195

2002-03 Stats: 22.5 ppg | 6.2 rpg

Andy Katz's take: Minard was the Ohio Valley Conference player of the year and a 20-plus point scorer. But the 6-4 guard has a lot of catching up to do to impress the NBA teams. He flew under the radar and would need to prove that he could score against the other top players in the country. He could still return to Morehead but he's got to get to Chicago to ensure that testing the draft process was worth the trouble. NBA teams haven't been enamored by low major big time scorers in the past

Draft Projection: Second round to undrafted.

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Marcus Moore

College: Washington State

Class: Junior | Position: Guard | Ht: 6-6 | Wt: 208

2002-03 Stats: 18.2 ppg | 5.4 rpg

Andy Katz's take: Moore would have had a hard time adjusting to [censored] Bennett's style. Moore wants to freelance and get out and run. He probably wouldn't have been happy playing in a more structured situation. Moore is best suited for the open court run at the Chicago pre-draft camp, assuming he gets the invitation. He should have a shot at the second round.

Draft Projection: Second round to undrafted.

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Jameer Nelson

College: Saint Joseph's

Class: Junior | Position: Guard | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 190

2002-03 Stats: 19.7 ppg | 4.7 apg

Andy Katz's take: Nelson is one of the quickest point guards in the draft. He has become a much better defender and has diversified his ways of scoring. Nelson is a proven leader and extremely strong for his size. There is no harm in him declaring to see where he would fall. He's only got one more season left so this would be his one and only chance to test the draft process.

Draft Projection: Late first, early second round ... if he stays in draft.

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Travis Outlaw

High school: Starkville HS

Class: Senior | Position: Forward | Ht: 6-8 | Wt: 195

2002-03 Stats: N/A

Andy Katz's take: Upon further review, Travis Outlaw could fall anywhere from the second to the fourth high school player in the first round. Scouts aren't as enamored with him as they were a month ago. They do love his athleticism but he still needs to develop and mature as a basketball player, but if he works out and wows the scouts then that may influence his decision. He doesn't have to leave, and could still go to Mississippi State. Outlaw comes from a solid home and there is no pressure to bolt too early. But his stock is high enough to look at the draft.

Draft Projection: Late first round to mid second.

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Jason Parker

College: Tulsa

Class: Junior | Position: Guard | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 180

2002-03 Stats: 15.4 ppg | 4.0 apg

Andy Katz's take: Parker could be exercising his right to participate in the Chicago pre-draft camp without a penalty -- if he's invited. There is no harm in Parker going to Chicago to be evaluated. If he does well he could bolt, but the more likely scenario is his returning to Tulsa. Parker isn't a first-round pick but he could get a true gauge on his ability before he returns to college. If he returns, that doesn't mean this is a poor decision.

Draft Projection: Second round to undrafted.

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Kendrick Perkins

High School: Ozen (Beaumont, Texas)

Class: Senior | Position: Center | Ht: 6-10 | Wt: 285

2002-03 Stats: N/A

Andy Katz's take: Perkins is a load inside, but the jury is still out as to whether he's ready to make the jump. Perkins was considered a lock for the draft when he was a junior, but scouts cooled on him last summer. He needs to be impressive during workouts to ensure he's in the right physical shape to be a first-round pick. Memphis doesn't have to sweat losing him just yet.

Draft Projection: Late first to middle of the second round.

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Brian Polk

College: Temple

Class: Junior | Position: Guard | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 210

2002-03 Stats: 12.9 ppg | 4.5 rpg

Andy Katz's take: Polk is declaring for the draft because he's not eligible next season. He's unlikely to get a sniff from NBA scouts and probably won't get invited to the Chicago pre-draft camp. His best hope is that someone gives him a shot during the summer league and he can earn his way into the 'D' league. But even that is a long shot.

Draft Projection: Undrafted

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Josh Powell

College: North Carolina State

Class: Sophomore | Position: Forward | Ht: 6-9 | Wt: 210

2002-03 Stats: 12.0 ppg | 5.2 rpg

Andy Katz's take: If Powell just wants the free trip to Chicago for the pre-draft camp, then he's making the right decision. That's if he gets invited. If he stays in the draft, with or without the Chicago trip, then he needs to re-examine his priorities. He's not too high on scout's lists. Testing and not diving into the draft waters is OK for now.

Draft Projection: Second round to undrafted.

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Rick Rickert

College: Minnesota

Class: Sophomore | Position: Forward | Ht: 6-11 | Wt: 216

2002-03 Stats: 15.6 ppg | 6.2 rpg

Andy Katz's take: Scouts either like him or can't stand his game. He's a wiry fellow and strength is a major concern. Whether he is passionate is also in play here. Rickert has to get to Chicago to prove he can be aggressive. The NBA is skeptical of his game and he's got a lot to prove because he's far from a lock. But that doesn't mean he'll slip out of the first round.

Draft Projection: Late first to second round.

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Luke Ridnour

College: Oregon

Class: Junior | Position: Guard | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 175

2002-03 Stats: 19.7 ppg | 6.6 apg

Andy Katz's take: He started the season as the best point guard in the country. He ended it as Pac-10 player of the year, but down a few point guard pegs nationally from Texas' T.J. Ford. Ridnour has to show he can handle being banged around. He doesn't exactly fill out the uniform. If he wows NBA teams in workouts then he's got a lottery spot. Otherwise, he'll slide down.

Draft Projection: Mid-first round, just outside the lottery.

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Theron Smith

College: Ball State

Class: Senior | Position: Forward | Ht: 6-8 | Wt: 225

2001-02 Stats: 19.6 ppg | 10.9 rpg

Andy Katz's take: Smith tried to stay in the draft last season but tore his ACL during a workout with the Raptors. He played the first two games of the 2002-03 season before redshirting the rest of his senior year. He's giving up a fifth year of eligibility by declaring early, but if he can show his knee is 100 percent, teams will take a chance on him. But he's more likely a second round pick, even though he can score at will when healthy.

Draft Projection: Second round.

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Michael Sweetney

College: Georgetown

Class: Junior | Position: Forward | Ht: 6-8 | Wt: 260

2002-03 Stats: 22.8 ppg | 10.4 rpg

Andy Katz's take: Sweetney can score, no matter where he is in the lane. But the questions remain can he do it in the NBA? He was beating up on smaller or thinner players in the Big East and elsewhere. Scouts want to see him go against players just as tough as he is to make a final decision. Workouts will be a huge selling point with him.

Draft Projection: Late lottery.

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Chris Thomas

College: Notre Dame

Class: Sophomore | Position: Forward | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 182

2002-03 Stats: 18.7 ppg | 6.9 apg

Andy Katz's take: Thomas' defense is a liability. He can become a legit scorer in the league because of his ability to get into the lane and hit mid-range jumpers and deep 3s. But he sometimes over-penetrates. Scouts are concerned that he sometimes is a bit wild. If he can tame his game and play within his limitations in Chicago then he's got a shot to crack his top 20 cap.

Draft Projection: Middle of the first round.

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Charlie Villanueva

High School: Blair Academy (Blairstown, N.J.)

Class: Senior | Position: Forward | Ht: 6-10 | Wt: 220

2002-03 Stats: 19 ppg | 10 rpg

Andy Katz's take: Charlie Villanueva has the probably the best NBA talent out of the high school class -- behind LeBron James. That doesn't mean he'll go in the first round. Villanueva could still go to college if he's not a lock to go in the first round and that means Kansas and Connecticut will probably keep his scholarship spot open until June. Villanueva has a shot to go in the first round if the NBA teams continue to harp on his ability to score around the basket. He's still very raw but his potential could get him picked.

Draft Projection: Late first round.

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Dwyane Wade

College: Marquette

Class: Junior | Position: Guard | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 210

2002-03 Stats: 21.5 ppg | 6.3 rpg

Andy Katz's take: Wade became one of the best scoring guards in college basketball this past season. Scouts see him as a true two-guard and a likely mid-lottery selection. Wade also showed leadership skills and his versatility as a scorer for Marquette. The one knock from scouts: They're not sure how well Wade can put the ball on the floor.

Draft Projection: Mid-lottery.

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Doug Wrenn

College: Washington

Class: Junior | Position: Forward | Ht: 6-6 | Wt: 215

2002-03 Stats: 12.4 ppg | 5.8 rpg

Andy Katz's take: No one is talking about Wrenn. He can score and maybe his game is better suited for the NBA, but he has yet to show he can be consistent. His lack of staying power at a school doesn't help his cause, either. Interviews will be just key with Wrenn as his workouts. But he's got a long way to go to secure a spot in this draft.

Draft Projection: Late second round to undrafted.

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Maurice Williams

College: Washington

Class: Sophomore | Position: Guard | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 183

2002-03 Stats: 16.4 ppg | 3.9 apg

Andy Katz's take: Williams has a shot to get into the first round, but he has to play well in Chicago. If he goes and sees that he's not ready and returns to school, then this won't be so bad. But Williams could go much higher if he returns next season. Williams didn't have as good a season as a sophomore. He was on a high after his freshman season but the scouts wanted to see more from him. They'd like him to go back to school and prove he can be more of a consistent player.

Draft Projection: Late first to early second round.

[HawkTodd]

Right or wrong, early decisions have been made. (5-13-03)

http://msn.espn.go.com/nba/columns/katz_andy/1552789.html

By Andy Katz

ESPN.com

A few high school players declared with an eye on next year's potential 20-year-old age limit. A number of college underclassmen are making the jump to get a free tryout at the all-expense paid Chicago pre-draft camp.

Some still, and will, go back to college by withdrawing their names from the NBA's early-entry list by June 19. Some players, however, declared for the draft with no choice of returning because of academic eligibility issues. Others are simply getting poor advice.

Monday was the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NBA Draft. Several names on the list were expected, while some are simply testing their draftability over the next month. It's not a bad move, considering the NCAA has given players the option to play in Chicago's camp (June 4-9) without a penalty upon return to school.

Those who don't sign with an agent, and don't see their stock rise in scouts' eyes, must sooner or later face facts in the coming weeks. And, if they refuse to do so, and don't withdraw from the draft by the deadline, then their decisions could be viewed in a different light. The bottom line: Players have to prove they're making the right move by becoming one of those all-important 29 first-round picks.

But, for now, here is our take on the decisions made by underclassmen over the past month -- both good and bad -- after discussing each player's situation with more than a few NBA teams:

Good Decisions

As the desire of every NBA team, LeBron James' choice to skip college is easy.

LeBron James, St. Vincent-St. Mary HS (Akron, Ohio): Please, James had no choice. He was and still remains the clear choice to be the overall No. 1 pick in the June 26 draft. Even if he wanted to go to college, he couldn't because he wouldn't have been eligible. James broke amateurism rules over the past few summers, according to numerous NCAA sources. But, college was never in the LeBron equasion. James is probably the biggest consensus No. 1 in years.

Carmelo Anthony, Fr., Syracuse: Anthony won the NCAA Tournament. He was the Most Outstanding Player in the Final Four. He's a likely top three pick. Why shouldn't he have declared? Anthony said it himself when he told the assembled media in Syracuse that he had nothing left to do for the Orangemen.

Chris Bosh, Fr., Georgia Tech: Bosh didn't deliver an NCAA Tournament berth to Yellow Jacket fans -- let alone a championship, like Anthony -- but he still had no choice by to leave after one season in Atlanta. Bosh will likely land somewhere in the top five, and it makes sense for him to go in this draft. Sure, he could be better in the post and become more of a physical presence. But how much higher could he go? No. 1 or No. 2 isn't out of the question next season, when he would likely go against Emeka Okafor as the top post player out of college. But being No. 4 isn't so bad, is it?

T.J. Ford, So., Texas: Ford won the national player of the year (Wooden, Naismith, ESPN.com) and didn't have more to prove individually. He got the Longhorns to the Final Four and could have come back for a repeat visit as well as more awards. But he is likely going to go in the top five in this draft. Why not go now if that's the case?

Chris Kaman, Jr., Central Michigan: Get to know Kaman, he's now the best American-based big man in the draft when UConn's Okafor decided to stay with the Huskies. Kaman delivered Central Michigan into the NCAA Tournament and that helped his stock, too. Kaman could have gone a few spots higher if he returned for a senior seasn, but he's a lock for the top 10 and that's why he had to declare.

Dwyane Wade, Jr., Marquette: Wade won Conference USA player of the year and then led Marquette to the Final Four. He has family pressure to deliver financially with a wife and child. He has given more to the Eagles than they have to him, so he had little choice but to declare and stay in the draft. He's a lock for the lottery, which is why this decision can't be questioned.

Jarvis Hayes, Jr., Georgia: Hayes made the right decision to declare, considering the Bulldogs face more sanctions in the wake of alleged academic violations. Hayes also is a likely lottery selection, which makes his decision more palatable. He's leaving his twin brother, Jonas, behind but he can make up for it with a financial reward the family will no doubt enjoy.

Luke Ridnour, Jr., Oregon: Ridnour could go higher in 2004 if he returns to Oregon. And while his spot in the lottery isn't assured, he didn't make a poor choice. He's one of the top point guards in the draft and he's got a legit chance to play his way up if he works out well over the next month. Oregon would have been back in the NCAAs next season, but he might have hit some senioritis if he had returned.

Michael Sweetney, Jr., Georgetown: Sweetney's stock is rising and he's done well the past two seasons in proving he can be a legit low-post scorer. Sure, he might have been able to move up a few more spots next year, but he's still probably would have been a back end of the lottery player. So, why not declare when there is a buzz about him?

Bad Decisions

Another year at Kentucky would have made Marquis Estill's task of getting into the first round easier.

Antonio Lawrence, Fr., San Jose State: He spent one year with the Spartans and didn't do nearly enough to go higher than maybe the second round, if at all. Lawrence was quoted as saying he is doing this for the money. Huh? How about making some first. He could struggle to get a 'D' league contract.

Ronald Blackshear, Jr., Marshall: Blackshear seems to have a problem staying in one place. He couldn't stick at Clemson, Temple and now Marshall. Blackshear isn't ready for primetime and needed another season to stand out to feel secure about being a second-round pick.

James Lang, H.S., Central Park Christian (Ala.): Weight is a major concern with Lang. And the word was he might not have been eligible at any of the schools recruiting him. If he were, then he needed to go and try college first to move up in any future draft. Spending one season in college helped Anthony and Bosh tremendously. Lang shouldn't have followed their lead.

Erazem Lorbek, Fr., Michigan State: Lorbek came to the U.S. to get tougher and play a more physical style under Tom Izzo. He did so later in the 2002-03 season, but playing well for a month isn't enough to tantalize NBA scouts. Ironically enough, Lorbek actually would have gone higher if he never came to the U.S. Lorbek intrigued NBA scouts because few had seen him. Once they did in Spartan green, and saw he was not strong enough to bang in the Big Ten post, then they started to have reservations.

Josh Powell, So., N.C. State: If Powell stays in the draft he will have made a major mistake. If he is just testing the draft process then he will move off this list. There is no buzz about Powell's chances to crack the first round. He has to work just to get his draft status solidified in the second round. All he is doing is giving Herb Sendek an ulcer as he sweats out Powell's decision to stay in the draft.

Marquis Estill, Sr., Kentucky: Estill had a chance to earn back a fourth season of eligibility if he got his grades in order in the spring and over the summer. If he had then Kentucky would have solved their questions in the middle and Estill could have possibly moved into the first round -- of 2004's draft. Instead, Estill will struggle to get into next month's first 29 picks and will have to earn his keep as a second-round pick.

Jason Parker, Jr., Tulsa: Parker could just be testing the draft process. That's fine, if he can even get an invite to Chicago. Parker might not get the note from Marty Blake, and if he doesn't, then all he did was waste time, paper and give agents a chance to contact him.

Brian Polk, Jr., Temple: The word is that Polk didn't have grades to go back to Temple. If that was the case, and he had no choice, then Polk had nothing to lose by declaring. But if he had been eligible, he would have at least given himself a chance over the next 12 months to make a serious run at being a second-round pick.

Doug Wrenn, Jr., Washington: Like Blackshear, Wrenn can't stay in any one place too long, either. Wrenn had a shot to make more of a name for himself had he stayed at Washington for his senior season. Instead, he'll take his erratic scoring ability to the league ... the 'D' league.

Undecided Decisions

Is 20, 21, or 22 the magic number for Chris Thomas to stay in the draft?

Chris Thomas, So., Notre Dame: Thomas said he will stay in the draft if he's in the top 20. He might be around 21 or 22. If that's the case, it's close enough likely for Thomas to still stay in the draft. He's got a chance to prove he should go higher. If he can do that this wasn't a bad decision.

Rick Rickert, So., Minnesota: Rickert has already made it clear that he's staying in the draft. That's fine if he ultimately lands in the first round. If Rickert left Minnesota to be a second-round pick then he's made a major mistake. The questions remain about Rickert's strength to play at the NBA level. He can add bulk, but he might have needed one more season in Minnesota.

Jameer Nelson, Jr., Saint Joseph's: Nelson declared during the final minutes of the deadline. He is hoping to get an invite to Chicago and get the free tryout. If he can get into the first round then this will end up being a good decision. Nelson's height isn't going to change. He has to convince the NBA scouts that he is worthy of being a first-round pick. That same question will haunt him next season. If he returns to Saint Joseph's, he has a chance to be a first-team all-American and Atlantic 10 player of the year. His jersey will be retired and he'll end up being one of the best players ever to play for the Hawks.

Marcus Moore, Jr., Washington State: It's hard to blame Moore. He got hurt last season and would have to make a radical style change with new coach [censored] Bennett running things in Pulman. Paul Graham played uptempo, while Bennett will be more methodical. If Moore can play his way up into the high second round then this wasn't a bad move.

Travis Outlaw, H.S., Starkville, Miss.: Outlaw has limited fundamentals but he is a sensational athlete. His dunks are a highlight reel by themselves. If he gets into the first round then it's arguably a good decision. But if he does not, then it will be a poor choice. Outlaw could really benefit by going to Mississippi State for a few years.

Carl English, Jr., Hawaii: English is one of the better shooting guards in this draft. He has an outside chance of shooting himself into the first round. If English had returned to Hawaii then he could have created even more buzz about his shot. If he is a hit in Chicago then making the jump now will have been a smart move.

Mario Austin, Jr., Mississippi State: Austin was a hit early in the season, but the buzz on him cooled a bit later in the year. Austin had a chance to be the 2004 SEC player of the year if he returned to the Bulldogs. He could have led them on a deep run in the NCAAs. He would have had momentum for the draft. Now, that could be in question.

Ndudi Ebi, H.S., Westbury Christian (Houston): Ebi would be wise to honor his signing with Arizona and benefit from Lute Olson's teaching. But if Ebi can somehow sneak into the late lottery then it would be hard to argue with his decision. He has to workout and show he is that talented. If not, then he'll regret this decision.

Andre Emmett, Jr., Texas Tech: Emmett had his issues with Bob Knight at one point during the season. Maybe he wanted a change, but had Emmett returned then he had a chance to be Big 12 player of the year. He could still go back to Lubbock, but if he stays in the draft and slips to the second round, then he made a mistake.

Ricky Minard, Jr., Morehead State: If Minard is getting a free tryout in Chicago then this doesn't hurt. But if he's just going to stay in the draft and end up in the second round then he has made a mistake. Minard needed to make more of a name at Morehead before bolting.

Theron Smith, Sr., Ball State: Smith, the MAC's 2002 player of the year, was injured this season and could have returned for a second senior year. Instead, he chose to try the draft. But scouts are concerned about the strength of his knee, which he originally injured in a NBA workout last year when he declared early. If it doesn't test well then this will turn out to be a poor decision.

Maurice Williams, So., Alabama: Williams could shoot up the 2004 draft if he returns to the Tide next season. He could still get into this year's first round, but it could be a reach. If he stays in the draft, and ends up falling into the second round, then this was a major mistake for his career.

Charlie Villanueva, H.S., Blair Academy (N.J.): Villanueva has first-round talent, but maybe not until next year. Villanueva would have benefited from playing at Kansas or Connecticut for one season. He could still opt for college, but he better be sure he's in the top 25 before he decides to stay in the draft.

Kendrick Perkins, H.S., Beaumont Ozen (Texas): John Calipari has no qualms about Perkins declaring for the draft as long as he doesn't stay in it. If Perkins isn't a top-20 pick then he's making a big error in judgment. Perkins is a borderline first-round pick, but could be an Elton Brand-type talent two years from now if he is patient.