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BlazerFan1
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Post subject: Blazers Draft parties, workouts and a sleeper
 Posted: Jun 24, 2008 - 10:02 PM PST
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Four NBA draft prospects worked out for the Trail Blazers Tuesday at the practice facility in Tualatin. That means over the past 22 days, the Blazers have held 13 private workouts and evaluated 52 prospects. Now they have roughly 48 hours to forge a plan before Thursday's draft.
I'm not going to post my usual player breakouts on today's visitors -- North Carolina State forward J.J. Hickson, Michigan State guard Drew Neitzel, Washington State guard Kyle Weaver and Vanderbilt guard/forward Shan Foster -- but I will point out that this was the second stop through Tualatin for Hickson. General Manager Kevin Pritchard said the Blazers wanted to see him work through a different series of drills, with a different set of opposing players to "get another set of eyes on him."
"He's a guy that has impressed us," Pritchard said.
I'll reiterate what I said after Hickson's first workout: I think he's a sleeper in this draft. He ranked 10th in the ACC in scoring (14.8 points per game) and second in rebounding (8.5 per game) as a freshman last season for the Wolfpack. He will add inside scoring and physical play to any team that drafts him. I think it would be a reach for the Blazers -- if they actually keep their first-round pick -- to draft him at No. 13. But if they trade down, Hickson could be a nice option later in the first round.
On a side note, if you're looking for plans on draft night, check out this Trail Blazers' news release regarding the Rose Garden draft party:
The Portland Trail Blazers are hosting a free draft night event at the Rose Garden this Thursday, June 26, where fans can watch the Trail Blazers roster begin to take shape for the 2008-09 season. Doors open at 3 p.m.
Join Mike Barrett, Mike Rice and Antonio Harvey on the Lexus Club Level, where they will host a live edition of Courtside from 4-7 p.m. The broadcast, which will air simultaneously air on "95.5 The Game," will feature live reports from Brian Wheeler at the Trail Blazers 'war room.'
ESPN's live coverage from New York's Madison Square Garden will also begin at 4 p.m., and can be seen on the Lexus Club Level or on the state-of-the-art High Definition scoreboard in the arena bowl.
In addition to draft coverage, fans can enjoy food and bar service and will have an opportunity to win prizes and purchase Trail Blazers merchandise. Blaze the Trail Cat and members of the Blazer Dancers will also make special appearances.
Fans can also find out how to get tickets for the 2008-09 season and get more information about upcoming summer basketball camps and the Trail Blazers Street Jam 3-on-3 tournament. Free parking will be provided in the Garden Garage.
The Trail Blazers' currently hold the 13th overall selection in the first round and three second-round selections (33, 36 and 55). Last year, a crowd of more than 6,000 fans watched Portland make Greg Oden the first overall selection in the 2007 Draft.
http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazer ... d_a_s.html |
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