<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">There seems to be almost universal agreement among draft analysts and front-office types that Spain's Fran Vazquez tops the list of foreign-born players available. Yet beyond Vazquez, there doesn't seem to be a prospect who's ready to contribute immediately. "I think Fran Vazquez is probably the furthest along," said Hornets director of player personnel Jeff Bower, who has made two trips to Europe to scout international players this year. "He's playing major minutes in a starting role for a team in the semifinals of the Spanish playoffs. "He's more game-ready than a lot of these other guys. He's 22. I've watched his team practice double sessions. He's been exposed to a lot of things that are going to make the learning curve easier with him." NBA draft consultant and analyst Chris Ekstrand is somewhat more effusive in his praise for Vazquez. "Vazquez has developed very quickly the last two years," Ekstrand said. "I've talked to a lot of people who see him every day. His body has made strides. The thing you like is you look at his frame (238 pounds), and he's going to be able to add more strength and weight to what he already has. "He's fundamentally sound. What we've seen with a lot of international players is they want to be 20 feet from the basket. With him, he really understands he's going to make his living close to the basket. He's able to do that. He's got hook shots with either hand. He's got shots off the glass from both blocks. It's sort of refreshing when you see a guy who's built like a power forward in that he actually wants to play power forward." </div> Source
