<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Hilton ArmstrongNBA experience: One season with Hornets.Age: 22.Games played (starts): 56 (5).Key statistical averages: 3.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.46 blocks, 11.3 minutes.What we expected: After being selected by the Hornets with the No. 12 overall pick of the 2006 draft, the University of Connecticut product entered his rookie NBA campaign with a reputation as an excellent interior defender and shot-blocker, but his offensive potential was unclear. In 2005-06, he was selected as the Big East Conference Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 3.15 blocks per game. However, during his four-year collegiate career, the Peekskill, N.Y., native never averaged double-figure scoring, topping out at 9.7 points per as a senior. In fairness, he was never a primary offensive option for the ultra-talented Huskies (his teammates during his senior year at UConn included fellow 2006 NBA first-round picks Rudy Gay, Marcus Williams and Josh Boone). Given his relative lack of experience and playing time in college, it was reasonable to think that ? like many of the other big men drafted in 2006 ? Armstrong would need some time to develop into a finished product.What went right: Armstrong showed initial promise during Vegas Summer League competition, averaging 12.7 points and 6.3 rebounds. In just his third official NBA appearance on Nov. 15, the 22-year-old was the star of the night in a one-point win at Detroit, scoring 17 points and grabbing nine rebounds. He sealed the victory by draining a free throw to give the Hornets a one-point lead, then missed the second charity toss but tapped the rebound back to teammate Chris Paul, causing time to expire on the Pistons. Armstrong had one stretch of relatively consistent minutes in December and took advantage with 12- and 14-point games in home wins over Cleveland and Memphis, the final two times this season that he exceeded double figures in scoring. After yet another string of injuries hit the Hornets? roster, Armstrong closed out the final seven games of the regular season in encouraging fashion, averaging 4.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 18.6 minutes. Throughout his rookie campaign, he was one of the team?s best finishers around the basket, frequently throwing down dunks when he received passes near the basket.What went wrong: Consistent playing time was elusive for much of 2006-07 for the first-round pick. To his credit, he never complained and was a willing listener when veteran frontcourt players such as Marc Jackson and David West doled out advice. Armstrong told Hornets.com that his experience of frequently sitting behind more celebrated players at UConn helped him stay patient during some stretches where wasn?t receiving many minutes. Armstrong didn?t play double-figure minutes in back-to-back games until the 19th game of the season, and only played half of a game (24 minutes or more) four times. He averaged 10.3 rebounds and 6.3 rebounds in that quartet of contests.The future: Armstrong is under contract for 2007-08. The Hornets can pick up a team option for his third NBA season (2008-09) and/or his fourth year (2009-10). Armstrong?s initial goal next season should be to cement a role in the rotation and be the first frontcourt player Byron Scott calls on from the reserve unit. The 6-foot-11, 235-pounder will be in the weight room and attempting to add bulk to his frame in order to become a better position defender in the paint. Armstrong?s role and minutes could partly be affected by what happens regarding Marc Jackson?s upcoming free agency. After spending a lottery pick on Armstrong, the Hornets figure to continue focusing on developing him into a very productive reserve in the short-term, with potential for more in coming seasons.</div>Check out the full article here on Hornets.com
