VITALS: 7-0, 250, Ohio State OVERVIEW: The freshman Oden lived up to all of the hype that surrounded him coming out of high school, guiding the Buckeyes to their first appearance in the national championship since 1962. Although he was slowed early on by offseason wrist surgery, Oden led Ohio State in scoring (15.7 ppg), field goal percentage (61.6) and rebounding (9.6 rpg). He also blocked 3.3 shots en route to being named the Big Ten Conference's Defensive Player of the Year. Also named the Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Year. Finished second to fellow freshman sensation Kevin Durant for the coveted Naismith and Wooden Awards. Prior to college, won three straight state championships with Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis along with former Buckeyes teammate Mike Conley Jr. Named the Naismith Prep Player of Year in 2006. Only the second player to twice be named the Gatorade National Player of the Year (2005-06), joining LeBron James. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: First overall pick. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Robert Parish COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Walt Bellamy ROLE PROJECTION: Starting center. POSITIVES: Oden has great hands and all the great centers - except perhaps Patrick Ewing - had great hands. This is an important characteristic because it enables so many things - corralling rebounds that you only get a few fingers on, catching the less-than-perfect entry pass, even keeping a blocked shot in bounds. In one college season, Oden proved he could impact the game without scoring, another hallmark of a great player. Oden will enter the NBA being able to average 10 rebounds per game, block three shots per game and shoot a high percentage of shots while scoring in the low teens. Where he takes it from there will be fun to watch. SHORTCOMINGS: Oden is not a gazelle on the court, although he does cover a lot of ground. At times, it doesn't look like he plays instinctively, needing an extra beat to assimilate what has happened and then reacting. The fact that he needs to work on his offensive game is no secret, but the good news for him is he is so big and athletic, he can score in double figures without any improvement. Like any player (short of LeBron James) who has played so little college basketball, he will have an adjustment period, and fans have a way of being impatient with first overall picks in the draft.
