NBA draft 2008

NBA Draft je godišnji događaj u kojem 30 timova NBA lige (29 iz SAD i 1 iz Kanade), mogu izabrati igrače koji žele igrati u ligi. Običaj je da se igrači biraju sa koledža, ali je u zadnje vreme sve veći broj srednjoškolaca i igrača koji dolaze iz inostranih liga. Draft je trenutno jedini način da igrači igraju u NBA, tako da, ako su jednom izabrani i napuste ligu, u istu se mogu vratiti bez ponovnog drafta.

Ukratko

NBA Draft je podeljen u dva kruga. Za pravo prvog izbora učestvuje 14 timova koji se nisu plasirali u plej-of. Ovi timovi učestvuju u lutriji, čime se određuju prva tri izbora. Ostalih 11 bira se na osnovu odnosa pobeda i poraza prethodne sezone, od najlošijeg do najboljeg.

Potom 16 timova koji su igrali u plej-ofu, biraju takođe prema uspešnosti, od najlošijeg do najboljeg.

Dobijeni redosled se prenosi i u drugi krug. Ipak, timovima je dozvoljeno da razmenjuju pravo na izbor, baš kao i afirmisane igrače (NBA lige trguju igračima za novac, često se u razmeni igrača doda i pravo na nekom od budućih draftova).

Zabranjeno je razmenjivati pravo na izbor u prvom krugu u uzastopnim godinama.

Igrači koji u godini drafta ne napune 18 godina, ne mogu učestvovati na draftu.

Prvi krug (mock draft):

1 Derrick Rose	2 Michael Beasley	3 O.J. Mayo	4 Jerryd Bayless	5 Eric Gordon	6 Brook Lopez	7 Anthony Randolph
8 Kevin Love	9 Danilo Gallinari	10 Russell Westbrook	11 D.J. Augustine	12 DeAndre Jordan	13 Joe Alexander	14 Darrell Arthur

15 Finiks Sansi (od Atlante Houksa)   
16 Filadelfija Seventisiksersi   
17 Toronto Reptorsi   
18 Vašington Vizardsi   
19 Klivlend Kavalirsi   
20 Denver Nagetsi   
21 Nju Džersi Netsi (od Dalas Meveriksa)   
22 Orlando Medžik   
23 Juta Džez   
24 Sijetl Supersoniksi (od Finiks Sansa)   
25 Hjuston Roketsi   
26 San Antonio Sparsi   
27 Nju Orleans Hornetsi   
28 Memfis Grizlisi (od L.A. Lejkersa)   
29 Detroit Pistonsi   
30 Boston Seltiksi

Drugi krug

31 Minesota Timbervulfsi (od Majami Hita)
32 Sijetl Supersoniksi
33 Portland Trejl Blejzersi (od Memfis Grizlisa)
34 Minesota Timbervulfsi
35 Los Anđeles Klipersi
36 Portland Trejl Blejzersi (od Njujork Niksa)
37 Milvoki Baksi
38 Šarlot Bobketsi
39 Čikago Bulsi
40 Nju Džersi Netsi
41 Indijana Pejsersi
42 Sakramento Kingsi (od Atlante Hoksa)
43 Sakramento Kingsi
44 Juta Džez (od Filadelfije Seventisiksersa)
45 San Antonio Sparsi (od Toronto Reptorsa)
46 Sijetl Supersoniksi (od Portland Trejl Blejzersa)
47 Vašington Vizardsi
48 Finiks Sansi (od Klivlend Kavalirsa)
49 Golden Stejt Voriorsi
50 Sijetl Supersoniks (od Denver Nagetsa)
51 Dalas Meveriksi
52 Majami Hit (od Orlando Medžika)
53 Juta Džez
54 Hjuston Roketsi
55 Portland Trejl Blejzersi (od Finiks Sansa)
56 Sijetl Supersoniksi (od Nju Orelans Hornetsa)
57 San Antonio Sparsi
58 Los Anđeles Lejkersi
59 Detroit Pistonsi
60 Boston Seltiksi

Michael Beasley Full Name: Michael Paul Beasley Position: Forward Height/Weight: 6-10 / 235 Birthdate: January 9, 1989 College: Kansas St. Hometown: Upper Marlboro, MD NBA Comparison: Carmelo Anthony

Career Highlights: Named National Freshman of the Year by The Sporting News and the USBWA. Received the Pete Newell Big Man of the Year award from the NABC. Earned Unanimous First Team All-American honors from the Associated Press, NABC, The Sporting News, and USBWA and was named to the Wooden Award All-America Team. A finalist for the Naismith, Oscar Robertson, and Wooden Awards. Named Big 12 Player of the Year by The Associated Press and the league coaches and was a unanimous First Team All-Conference and All-Rookie Team selection. Set a Kansas State career record for 40-point games (3) and set new single season marks in points scored (866), scoring average (26.2 ppg), 30-point games (13), double-doubles (28), rebounds (408), field goals made (307) and free throws made (216). Was a member of the USA Junior National Select Team that defeated the World Select Team at the 2007 Nike Hoop Summit in Memphis, Tennessee. Averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds on the silver medal-winning United States team at the 2007 FIBA World Championship for Men in Novi Sad, Serbia. Averaged a team-leading 13.8 points and 8.3 rebounds on the gold medal-winning United States team at the 2006 FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Men in San Antonio, Texas.

Freshman (2007-08): Led NCAA Division I in rebounding (12.4 rpg) and ranked third in scoring (26.2 ppg). Also led the nation in 40-point games (3), 30-point, 10-rebound games (13), and 20-point, 10-rebound games (22). Posted a nation-leading 28 double-doubles, breaking the freshman mark previously held by Syracuse’s Carmelo Anthony. Exploded for a career-high 44 points at Baylor, setting a Big 12 single game record for free throw percentage by hitting all 15 free throw attempts. Registered 40 points and 17 rebounds vs. Missouri. Tallied 40 points and 15 rebounds vs. Winston-Salem State. Tallied 32 points a set career highs with 24 rebounds, four assists, and four blocked shots vs. Sacramento State in the season opener. Recorded 28 points and 22 rebounds vs. Western Illinois. Sank all four three-point attempts in scoring 25 points vs. Kansas and notched 39 points and 11 rebounds in the rematch. Logged 30 points and 15 rebounds vs. Texas. Scored 32 points and pulled down 11 rebounds at Oklahoma. Tallied 23 points and 11 rebounds vs. USC in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Registered 23 points and 13 rebounds in the second round vs. Wisconsin.

High School: Named the Most Valuable Player of the 2007 McDonald’s All-American Game after a 23-point performance. Also earned MVP honors at the Adidas Derby Festival Classic and was selected to play in the All-American Jordan Brand Classic. Earned 2007 USA Today All-USA High School Boys Basketball Second Team honors as a senior and Third Team honors as a junior. Averaged 28.0 points, 16.0 rebounds, 4.5 blocked shots and 4.0 assists as a senior at Notre Dame Prep, helping lead the team to a 35-3 record and the inaugural Prep School National Championship. Averaged 20.1 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.5 blocked shots for Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va. as a junior, helping the team win a school-record 40 games. Averaged 28.0 points, 13.0 rebounds and 4.0 blocked shots for Riverdale Baptist HS in Upper Marlboro, Maryland as a sophomore. Averaged 30.0 points and 10.0 rebounds for National Christian Academy in Fort Washington, Maryland as a freshman.

Strengths: An explosive combination of strength and athleticism. Can score from virtually anywhere on the basketball floor. Utilizes his length, quickness, and leaping ability to grab rebounds both in and outside his area. Plays with aggression and confidence. Left-handed.

Personal: Has two brothers and two sisters.

O.J. Mayo Full Name: Ovinton J’Anthony Mayo Position: Guard Height/Weight: 6-5 / 200 Birthdate: November 5, 1987 College: Southern California Hometown: Huntington, WV NBA Comparison: Ben Gordon

Career Highlights: Earned First Team All-Pac-10 and All-Freshman Team honors. Also earned All-District honors from the NABC and USBWA. Was a finalist for the Naismith and Wooden Awards. Earned All-Pac-10 Tournament honors. Scored a team-high 20 points for the USA Basketball Junior National Select Team that defeated the World Select Team at the 2007 Nike Hoop Summit held in Memphis, Tenn.

Freshman (2007-08): Led team in scoring (20.7 ppg, ranked second in the Pac-10), assists (3.3 apg, 10th) and steals (1.6 spg, sixth), while ranking third in rebounding (4.5 rpg). Set school freshman single-season records for scoring average, points scored (684) and three-point field goals made (88). Scored 20 or more points 19 times and topped the 30-point mark five in four games. Exploded for a career-high 37 points at Arizona State, hitting 7-for-10 from three-point range. Tallied 34 points at California and posted 22 points and a career-high-matching nine rebounds in the rematch. Scored 32 points vs. Oregon and recorded 21 points in 25 minutes vs. Oregon State on his way to Pac-10 Player of the Week honors. Earned tournament MVP honors at the Anaheim Classic after averaging 18.0 points and 3.7 rebounds in three wins over San Diego, Miami-Ohio and Southern Illinois. Registered 19 points and five rebounds vs. Kansas. Posted 32 points vs. Mercer in his collegiate debut. Scored 25 points and grabbed eight rebounds vs. Stanford in the regular season finale. Notched 20 points and a career-high-tying six assists vs. Arizona State in the first round of the Pac-10 Tournament.

High School: Named EA Sports National High School Boys Player of the Year and earned McDonald’s All-America, Parade All-America and USA Today All-America honors as a senior. Scored a game-high 27 points at the Roundball Classic held in Chicago and earned East Team MVP honors. Averaged 28.2 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in helping Huntington High School to the 2007 Class AAA state championship, on his way to West Virginia Player of the Year honors. Spent first three years of high school at North College Hill in Cincinnati, helping lead his team to consecutive Division III state titles. Named Ohio Mr. Basketball his sophomore and junior years. Competed for the varsity squad as a seventh and eighth grader for Rose Hill Christian School in Ashland, Ky., averaging 20.5 points as an eighth grader and 23.1 points as a seventh grader.

Strengths: Physical guard who can play either backcourt position. Has a complete game offensively, able to shoot from deep or power to the basket and finish. Takes on all challenges at the defensive end.

Personal: Majored in business. Favorite meal is spaghetti and meatballs. Wears the number 32 in honor of Magic Johnson.

Jerryd Bayless Full Name: Jerryd Bayless Position: Guard Height/Weight: 6-3 / 200 Birthdate: August 20, 1988 College: Arizona Hometown: Phoenix, AZ NBA Comparison: Gilbert Arenas/Jay Williams

Career Highlights: Earned Second Team All-Pac-10 and All-Freshman Team honors. Also earned First Team All-District honors from the NABC and USBWA and was named Honorable Mention All-American by The Associated Press. A finalist for the Wooden Award. Scored 15 points for the USA Junior National Select Team that defeated the World Select Team at the 2007 Nike Hoop Summit in Memphis, Tenn. Averaged 11.0 points and 4.3 rebounds on the gold-medal winning United States team at the 2006 FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Men in San Antonio.

Freshman (2007-08): Led team in scoring (19.7 ppg, ranked third in the Pac-10), the first freshman to accomplish the feat since Sean Elliott in 1985-86. Also led the team in free throw percentage (.839, ranked fourth in the Pac-10), and ranked second in assists (4.0 apg, sixth). Missed four games due to a sprained right knee. Scored 20 or more points 16 times and topped the 30-point mark in four games. Exploded for career-high 39 points on 12-for-18 shooting, including 6-for-10 from three-point range vs. Arizona State. Tallied 33 points, five rebounds and a career-high-tying nine rebounds at Houston. Recorded 26 points and six rebounds vs. Texas A&M. Posted 31 points and six assists, shooting a perfect 16-for-16 from the free throw line vs. Stanford. Sank five three-pointers on his way to 33 points vs. California. Scored 19 points at Kansas. Narrowly missed a triple-double with 20 points and career highs in rebounds (9) and assists (9) vs. UMKC. Became the first freshman to earn Team MVP honors since Sean Elliott in 1986.

High School: Named a McDonald’s All-American and participated in the 2007 Jordan Brand Classic. Named Gatorade Arizona State Player of the Year his junior and senior seasons. Earned First Team All-State honors all four years. Averaged 33.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 2.0 steals as a senior. Averaged 37.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 3.2 steals as a junior. Career scoring average (28.3 ppg) ranks as the best all-time in state history.

Strengths: Combines quickness and athleticism with a good feel for the game. Scores effectively and efficiently in a variety of ways and is solid on the defensive end.

Personal: Son of Brad Bayless and Denise Bowman. Has one older brother, Justin. Hobbies include golf and ping-pong.

Kevin Love Full Name: Kevin Wesley Love Position: Center Height/Weight: 6-10 / 255 Birthdate: September 7, 1988 College: UCLA Hometown: Lake Oswego, OR NBA Comparison: Wes Unseld

Career Highlights: Earned consensus First Team All-American honors. Named to the Wooden Award All-America Team and was a finalist for both the Naismith and Wooden Awards. Named Pac-10 Player of the Year, becoming only the second freshman in league history to earn the honor. Also named conference Freshman of the Year, earned First Team All-Conference and All-Freshman Team honors, and was an Honorable Mention selection for the league’s All-Defensive Team. Set school freshman single season records for points scored (681) and rebounds (415). Was a member of the USA Basketball Junior National Select Team that defeated the World Select Team at the 2007 Nike Hoop Summit held in Memphis, Tenn.

Freshman (2007-08): Led team in scoring (17.5 ppg) and rebounding (10.6 rpg). Scored in double figures in every game and topped the 20-point mark 11 times. Posted 23 double-doubles. Tallied 26 points and 18 rebounds at Oregon. Scored 16 points and pulled down a career-high 21 rebounds at Oregon State, the first time a UCLA player had logged 20 or more rebounds in 30 years. Recorded 18 points and 16 rebounds at Maryland. Notched 26 points and 11 rebounds vs. Arizona and logged 24 points and 15 rebounds in the rematch. Posted 17 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high five assists vs. Stanford. Registered 22 points and 13 rebounds in his collegiate debut vs. Portland State. Tallied 19 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high seven blocked shots vs. Texas A&M in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Recorded a career-high 29 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and four blocked shots vs. Western Kentucky in the Sweet Sixteen. Notched a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds vs. Xavier in the Regional Finals.

High School: Named 2007 Gatorade National Male Athlete of the Year. Earned the 2007 Naismith, Wooden, USA Today, National High School Coaches Association, McDonald's and Parade Magazine Male High School Player of the Year awards. Became the first player in state history to be named player of the year three times, winning the award outright his sophomore and junior seasons and sharing the award his senior season with Duke’s Kyle Singler. Honored as a McDonald's All-American as a senior. Set the Oregon state prep career scoring record with 2,628 points. Helped Lake Oswego High School reach the state 4A tournament four straight years, the state championship game three straight years, and a state title in 2006.

Strengths: Extremely skilled post player who can also step out and hit the perimeter shot. Utilizes body effectively to grab rebounds and uses his superb upper body strength to throw accurate full-court outlet passes.

Personal: Father Stan played with the Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Bullets in the NBA. Uncle Mike is the lead singer of the Beach Boys.

Anthony Randolph Full Name: Anthony Randolph Position: Forward Height/Weight: 6-10 / 205 Birthdate: July 15, 1989 College: LSU Hometown: North Little Rock, AR NBA Comparison: Lamar Odom/Tayshaun Prince

Career Highlights: Earned Honorable Mention All-SEC honors as a freshman. Also named to the league All-Freshman Team and earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors four times during the season. Was an All-District 8 Second Team selection by the NABC. Was a member of the USA Junior National Select Team that defeated the World Select Team at the 2007 Nike Hoop Summit in Memphis, Tennessee. Averaged 11.0 points and 4.3 rebounds on the gold-medal winning United States team at the 2006 FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Men in San Antonio.

Freshman (2007-08): Led the team in rebounding (8.5 rpg, ranked third in the SEC) and ranked second in scoring (15.6 ppg, 12th). Also ranked third in the SEC in blocked shots (2.3 bpg). Scored 20 or more points nine times, with a career-high 29 points vs. Alabama. Posted nine double-doubles. Tallied 14 points and a career-high 19 rebounds at Vanderbilt. Recorded 24 points and 14 rebounds vs. Kentucky. Scored 21 points in consecutive games vs. Chaminade and Arizona State at the Maui Invitational. Notched a 18-point, 11-rebound double-double vs. Ole Miss. Registered 19 points, 13 rebounds and a career-high six blocked shots in his collegiate debut vs. Southeastern Louisiana. Led team with 22 points and eight rebounds vs. South Carolina in the first round of the SEC Tournament.

High School: Scored 21 points in the 2007 Roundball Classic in Chicago. Named Fourth Team All-America by Parade Magazine and earned First Team All-Area honors from the Dallas Morning News. Averaged 25.8 points and 12.6 rebounds as a senior and 18.2 points and 12.0 rebounds as a junior. Attended high school at Serrano HS in Phelan, California and Little Rock Catholic in Arkansas before playing his final two prep seasons in Dallas.

Strengths: Long, athletic lefty with a wide array of skills. An inside-out threat who can effectively post up on the block or take his defender out on the perimeter. Terrific ball-handler for his size. Utilizes length and athleticism to his advantage as a rebounder and shotblocker. Runs the floor extremely well.

Personal: Has one younger sister and one younger brother. Enjoys shooting pool. Favorite NBA team is the Los Angeles Lakers.

Eric Gordon Full Name: Eric Gordon Jr. Position: Guard Height/Weight: 6-4 / 215 Birthdate: December 25, 1988 College: Indiana Hometown: Indianapolis, IN NBA Comparison: Mitch Richmond

Career Highlights: Earned Second Team All-America honors from the NABC and Third Team honors from The Associated Press. Named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and earned unanimous First Team All-Conference honors from the media and league coaches. A finalist for the Naismith and Wooden Awards. Earned National All-Freshman Team honors from The Sporting News.

Freshman (2007-08): Led the Big Ten in scoring (20.9 ppg). Also ranked fifth in free throw percentage (.834) and 10th in steals (1.3 spg). Set an Indiana and Big Ten freshman record for total points scored (669), breaking the old mark held by Michael Redd of Ohio State in 1998. Scored 20 or more points 19 times and topped the 30-point mark three times. Hit seven threes in scoring a career-high 33 points in the season opener vs. Chattanooga, the most points ever in an Indiana debut. Tallied 31 points and a career-high six rebounds vs. Illinois State. Recorded 30 points and a career-high six assists vs. UNC Wilmington. Sank all 12 free throw attempts in scoring 20 points vs. Xavier. Posted 28 points vs. Michigan State and scored 22 points in the rematch. Hit six threes on his way to 29 points, four rebounds and four assists vs. Northwestern. Notched 25 points on 7-for-12 shooting vs. Iowa. Registered 26 points at Penn State in the regular season finale.

High School: Named 2007 Gatorade National Male Athlete of the Year. Earned a selection to the McDonald’s All-American Team and also participated in the Jordan Brand All-American Classic. Named Indiana Mr. Basketball as a senior after averaging 29 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Averaged 26.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.8 steals, and 1.2 blocked shots as a junior.

Strengths: Has the complete package offensively. Extremely adept at driving to the basket and drawing fouls, and keeps defenses honest with shooting range beyond the NBA three-point line. Has outstanding strength and leaping ability.

Personal: Enrolled in University Division. Has two brothers.

Joe Alexander Full Name: Joe Anthony Alexander Position: Forward Height/Weight: 6-8 / 230 Birthdate: December 26, 1986 College: West Virginia Hometown: Mt. Airy, MD NBA Comparison: Shawn Marion/Tom Gugliotta

Career Highlights: Earned First Team All-Big East Honors as a junior. Also named All-District by the NABC and USBWA and was named an Honorable Mention All-American by The Associated Press. Currently ranks eighth on West Virginia’s all-time leaders for blocked shots (99). Has scored in double figures in 48 career games.

Junior (2007-08): Led team in scoring (16.9 ppg, ranked eighth in the Big East), rebounding (6.4 rpg), and blocked shots (1.5 bpg, eighth). Missed one game due to a groin injury. Scored 20 or more points 13 times and topped the 30-point mark three times. Posted seven double-doubles. Tallied 26 points, six rebounds and five assists in an early season win over Duquesne. Posted 21 points and seven rebounds vs. Oklahoma. Scored 22 points at Louisville. Logged career highs of seven blocked shots and four steals vs. Prairie View A&M. Recorded a double-double of 32 points and 10 rebounds at Connecticut. Registered 32 points in his very next game vs. Pittsburgh, becoming the first player in school history to post back-to-back 30-point games in 28 years. Opened Big East Tournament with a 22-point effort vs. Providence. Exploded for a career-high 34 points vs. Connecticut in the quarterfinals. Notched 22 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots vs. Duke in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Tallied 18 points and 10 rebounds vs. Xavier in the Sweet Sixteen.

Sophomore (2006-07): Averaged 10.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocked shots. Scored in double figures 20 times, recording a season-high 23 points on 9-for-12 shooting vs. DePaul. Tallied 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists at Seton Hall. Posted first career double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds vs. Maryland-Eastern Shore. Registered 10 points, five rebounds and a career-high seven assists vs. St. John’s. Hit three three-pointers on his way to 16 points vs. Villanova. Recorded 15 points and seven rebounds vs. North Carolina State.

Freshman (2005-06): Averaged 1.3 points and 0.7 rebounds in 3.6 minutes a contest. Recorded season highs of five points, three rebounds and five blocked shots in 12 minutes of playing time vs. Washington & Jefferson. Tallied four points and two rebounds in six minutes at Texas.

Strengths: Creates mismatches both inside and outside with his blend of athleticism, length and shooting touch. Reads defenses well and exhibits a good knowledge of the game.

Personal: Majoring in athletic coaching education. Lived abroad for the first eight years of his life in Taiwan, China and Hong Kong before his family moved to the United States.

Brook Lopez Full Name: Brook Robert Lopez Position: Center Height/Weight: 7-0 / 260 Birthdate: April 1, 1988 College: Stanford Hometown: Fresno, CA NBA Comparison: Brad Daugherty

Career Highlights: Earned Third Team All-America honors from The Associated Press and the NABC as a sophomore. Also named First Team All-Pac-10 and earned league All-Defensive Team honors. Earned Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 and All-Freshman Team honors as a freshman. Finished collegiate career as Stanford’s fifth all-time leader in blocked shots with 101. Posted 11 career double-doubles, including one triple-double.

Sophomore (2007-08): Led team in scoring (19.3 ppg, ranked fourth in the Pac-10) and rebounding (8.2 rpg, fifth). Also ranked third in the league in blocked shots (2.1 bpg). Started 25 of 27 games, missing the first nine games of the season while establishing academic eligibility. Scored 20 or more points 13 times and topped the 30-point mark in four contests. Posted nine double-doubles. Established a career-high with 31 points and grabbed 13 rebounds at Washington. Tallied 18 points, seven rebounds and a season-high-tying five blocked shots at Washington State and recorded 30 points, 12 rebounds and a career-high-matching three steals in the rematch. Scored 19 points and pulled down a career-high 16 rebounds vs. Arizona State and scored 30 points in the rematch. Registered 18 points, 13 rebounds and a career-high five assists at UCLA. Notched a double-double of 20 points and 15 rebounds vs. Arizona. Led team with 30 points vs. Marquette in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Recorded 26 points and 10 rebounds vs. Texas in the Sweet Sixteen.

Freshman (2006-07): Averaged 12.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocked shots (ranked fourth in the Pac-10). Started 18 of 26 games after missing the first five games of the season recovering from back surgery in late September. Scored in double figures 16 times and recorded six 20-point games. Registered a season-high 26 points and added 10 rebounds vs. Oregon. Posted a double-double of 20 points and a season-high 12 rebounds vs. Gonzaga. Recorded the first triple-double in school history with 18 points, 11 rebounds and single-game record 12 blocked shots vs. USC. Scored 18 points on 8-for-13 shooting vs. Texas Tech. Notched 23 points in back-to-back games at USC and UCLA. Tallied 18 points and seven rebounds in the first round of the NCAA Tournament vs. Louisville.

Strengths: Legit seven-footer who is an inside presence on both ends of the floor. Possesses a variety of post moves and also has a soft shooting touch facing up. Has good upper body strength and is solid on the glass and on defense.

Personal: Twin brother, Robin, is a sophomore at Stanford and fellow NBA Draft early entry candidate. Older brother, Alex, played collegiately at Washington and Santa Clara. Mother, Deborah Ledford, was an Olympic swimmer who competed at Stanford. Hobbies include watching movies and reading comic books.

Danilo Gallinari Full Name: Danilo Gallinari Position: Forward Height/Weight: 6-8 / 210 Birthdate: August 8, 1988 Team: Armani Jeans Milano Country: Italy NBA Comparison: Detlef Schrempf

Career Highlights: Grew up playing with Assigeco Casalpusterlengo in Italy and made his professional debut with the team in the Italian Serie B-1 League in 2004-05. Signed with Armani Jeans Milano and played on loan with Edimes Pavia in the Italian A-2 League in 2005-06. Moved up to play with Armani Jeans Milano in the Italian A-1 League in 2006-07. Teammates include former NBA players Reece Gaines, Ansu Sesay and Casey Shaw. Participated in the 2007 Italian All-Star Game. A member of the Italian U-18 National Team. Helped Italy earn a bronze medal at the 2005 U-18 European Championships held in Belgrade, averaging 10.6 points and 4.9 rebounds.

2007-08: Averaged 17.5 points and 5.7 rebounds. Led team in scoring and ranked second in rebounding. Scored 20 or more points 11 times, posting a high of 29 Points vs. Siviglia. Posted two double-doubles. Averaged 14.9 points and 4.2 rebounds in Euroleague play. Scored 20 or more points four times, recording a high of 27 points at Maccabi Elite.

2006-07: Averaged 10.9 points and 4.0 rebounds in 25.6 minutes a contest. Recorded season-high 21 points in back-to-back games at TDShop.it Livorno and vs. Whirlpool VA. Averaged 11.5 points and 3.6 rebounds in eight playoff contests.

2005-06: With Edimes Pavia in the Italian A-2 League, averaged 14.3 points and 3.4 rebounds. Posted a season-high 22 points at Premiata Montegranaro. Appeared in one Euroleague contest with Armani Jeans Milano but did not score.

2004-05: With Casalpusterlengo in Italian Serie B-1, averaged 6.9 points and 2.3 rebounds in 17.5 minutes a contest.

Strengths: Skilled forward with a good basketball IQ. Shoots well, especially from mid-range, and has the athleticism to finish at the basket.

Personal: Father, Vittorio, played professional basketball in Italy for a number of teams. Favorite athletes include Michael Jordan and Roger Federer.