<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Adam Morrison proved he was the best collegiate player last season. The All-American from Gonzaga now has the challenge of proving he is the best player in this year's NBA draft. Morrison averaged 28.1 points last season, best in the nation, as a junior. The 6-foot-8 forward can score from inside and long range. He has the ability to get to the foul line, nail big shots, and he showed the toughness and confidence needed for NBA stardom. But that doesn't mean he will be the top pick June 28. He could be surpassed by players who didn't have the season he had but may have more potential, such as Louisiana State forward Tyrus Thomas, Texas forward-center LaMarcus Aldridge or Connecticut guard Rudy Gay, or a European such as Italian forward Andrea Bargani. "I'd pick him No. 1," an NBA scout said on the condition of anonymity. "(Teams) get enamored with the bigger guys. Forget potential. Give me someone who can give me 12 points and six rebounds as a rookie. He can do that. But the other guys, you've got to question that." Instead of worrying about where he will be drafted, Morrison is focused on things he can control - improving his long-range jump shot and getting stronger. "I'm just trying to make myself better as a whole basketball player," he said. "I'm not worried about the draft." Morrison didn't see his first regular- season NBA game in person until April 30. That day the Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant gave a memorable playoff performance, hitting a game-tying shot in regulation and the game-winner in overtime in a Game 4 first-round victory over visiting Phoenix. "It was a whole different atmos- phere," said Morrison, who also attended Denver's Game 5 season-ending playoff loss to the host Los Angeles Clippers the next day. "The crowd was amazing. Seeing the way the great players close games out was pretty cool. "I talked to (Bryant) a little bit after the game. He gave me congrats on the year. I can see why a lot of people like him. I am a fan and can see how other people are a fan." I'm definitely a fan of Morrison's game and of his humble attitude and desire to make himself a great player. "I'm on the bottom of the food chain again," he said. "So I need to work my way up, listen to the older guys and listen to what is being told to me."</div> Source
