Draft Preview 90

[Zyme]

With the 1990 draft in the books and top domestic talent like David Robinson and the euro wave with Drazen Petrovic, Sabonis, Galis, and Marciulionis settling into the league nicely, it is time to look forward to next year. With names like Kemp and Vlade pulling out last year to Kentucky and resigning respectively, each new year bring a while new set of questions and challenges to GMs to mull over. Over the coming weeks we will be covering the rumor mill and who is staying and who is joining in the madness that is the NBA draft.

[Zyme]

The big report today is in Yugoslavia where one of the biggest up and comers, Toni Kukoc, has signed a one year deal with KK Partisan. This links him up with Vlade Divac amongst others. This is making KK the prohibitive favorite to win the Euroleage despite losing Zarko to the NBA draft. When asked to comment, Divac responded "I'm happy to see such a talented countrymen joining to help me win a championship." This comment has struck many as very self centered and some scouts are now questioning if such a selfish mentality bodes well for the NBA.

[Zyme]

Today's news is from the homefront as Kentucky star Sean Kemp had a severe injury last night. After incurring a hard collision on a layup attempt, the freshman fenom landed akwardly and had to be stretchered off the court. Today's tests reveled a dislocated patella, a torn ACL, and badly sprained MCL and PCL. He will be out for the rest of the season and will likely be out until November of next year. Seems the least of his worries, but most scouts doubt he would make any kind of draft bid with this kind of injury looming over him. Everyone here at Draftwatch hopes for a speedy recovery.

[dthomas=ddixon]

Seems like this draft class is going to be pretty mediocre.

[lukeyrid13]

Gary Payton, Derrick Coleman and I bet Muhamoud Abdul-Rahuf(chris jackson) will be really good.

[tales]

RIP Shawn Kemp's potential

[Zyme]

A budding story from San Antonio today. Cole High School, and of the top HS seniors in the country, 6'11" Shaquille O'Neal failed his first attempt at the ACT. His offer sheet looks like a who's who of big programs is rumored to be favoring SEC school LSU over the likes of bluebloods like Kentucky or Duke in favor of the more local school. Regional schools such as UNLV, Texas and Arizona are also making strong pushes. This failed test throws all that into question. Sources with inside knowledge indicate that if he fails the retake, scheduled for a couple of weeks, he may explore the possibility of going pro or to the Junior college ranks.

[lukeyrid13]

Hakeem and Shaq together next year?

[Zyme]

With the Success that Petrovic is having this year, Stojko Vranković, a 7'2" center from Drniš, Yugoslavia has decided that it is his intent to enter the NBA draft this coming year. While probably not a top pick, the tall Croatian is considered a solid developmental pick.

[Zyme]

Dennis Scott, Jr from Georgia Tech, after a huge win last night agains top ranked North Carolina, dropped a bombshell. He has decide to enter the NBA draft as soon as this year. While only a Junior, the deadly outside shooter is likely lottery bound. Clearly one to keep your eye on.

[Zyme]

Today KK Partisan got sweet, sweet revenge on Tel Aviv in the final of the euroleague. After a hard faught game against CKSV Moscow in the semis they blew away their Israeli rivals in the final 83-68. After the game at the press conference, Divac commented, "I feel that I have done everything I set out to do when I extended my contract. Toni and I have talked about it and would relish to follow Drazen into being the next stars of the NBA." Toni Kukoc and Vlade Divac opting out of their contracts means that they will be joining Vranković as the next crop of talented Yugos to enter the NBA Draft.

[Phenom]

Woah

[Zyme]

#1 recruit in the nation Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal, of Cole High in San Antonio, one again did not pass his 2nd ACT test nor his SAT score required to make it into Louisiana State. The still growing 6'11" O'Neal now has a very big decision to make in the coming days with the early entrant date just a little under a week away. Every two year college in the nation with a recruiting budget is making their pitch to the big man in addition to rumors of cavorting with pro agent swirling.

[dthomas=ddixon]

Geez I should have just ranked this year instead of fighting for a first round loss in the playoffs.

[duckyoubeavers]

I need SHAQ