VITALS: 6-9, 255, Iraklis (Greece) OVERVIEW: Schortsanitis is a Greek native who has drawn plenty of attention in this draft for his 6-9, 255-pound frame. His physique has earned him the nickname "Baby Shaq." The 17-year-old averaged 11.0 points and 6.2 rebounds last season with Iraklis in the Greek league and shot 58 percent from the floor. Like Shaquille O'Neal, Schortsanitis shot 52 percent from the free-throw line as well. In Greece, his coach prohibited him from shooting outside jumpers although he reportedly possesses a decent shot. Schortsanitis' size became an issue since original reports had him listed as closer to a true center at 6-11. Schortsanitis' mother is 6-3 and he has a brother who is 16 years old who is supposedly 6-6, 250 pounds. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Mid- to late first round. Depending on who you as ask, Schortsanitis could slide late into the first round or could be drafted in the lottery. That is largely because he is competing against several polished power forwards for the same spots. He may have more upside than Nick Collison, Brian Cook, David West or Mario Austin, but not every team can afford to wait on Schortsanitis' development. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Eddy Curry COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Anthony Avent, Robert Traylor ROLE PROJECTION: Future starter POSITIVES: Just the size of Schortsanitis' neck gives you an idea about what the rest of his body looks like - and it is huge. For a kid who is just in his teens, that is impressive. Schortsanitis' strength is what allowed him to excel in one of the best leagues in the world so early on. Last season, his field-goal percentage and offensive rebounding totals were among the highest recorded in Greece. Given that Schortsanitis has a proven track record of quality production overseas - something many of this year's international prospects lack - it is a safe bet that he will not be a major bust in the NBA like a number of touted Europeans of the past. SHORTCOMINGS: Schortsanitis largely plays the game off of his physical talents, not knowhow. He makes errors on a regular basis due to his immaturity and will need a few years of schooling to tap into his potential. The other big knock on Schortsanitis is his height. Although he was listed as tall as 7 feet in Greece, he is actually just 6-8 1/2 without shoes. That cannot be categorized as undersized, but it certainly takes away from his intrigue. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "He's a powerful guy, has great size and talent, and can rebound and he is still only 18 years old. He has a bright future. We've seen him, and I am sure we will see more of him as we get closer to the draft." New York Knicks general manager Scott Layden
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting "thefranchise3":</div><div class="quote_post">Id like to see what this guy can do more on SoFo from NBA.com Sofo Profile (Baby Shaq) </div> You do this everytime. Just tell them to go into NBA.com and look at their profiles.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting "Dr. Funk":</div><div class="quote_post"><div class="quote_poster">Quoting "thefranchise3":</div><div class="quote_post">Id like to see what this guy can do more on SoFo from NBA.com Sofo Profile (Baby Shaq) </div> You do this everytime. Just tell them to go into NBA.com and look at their profiles.</div> how bout you dont tell me what to do ok?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting "Dr. Funk":</div><div class="quote_post"><div class="quote_poster">Quoting "thefranchise3":</div><div class="quote_post">Id like to see what this guy can do more on SoFo from NBA.com Sofo Profile (Baby Shaq) </div> You do this everytime. Just tell them to go into NBA.com and look at their profiles.</div> lol, i know it's easier that way. so that's how he's moving up in posts 8) , jp.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting "sportsrock37":</div><div class="quote_post"><div class="quote_poster">Quoting "Dr. Funk":</div><div class="quote_post"><div class="quote_poster">Quoting "thefranchise3":</div><div class="quote_post">Id like to see what this guy can do more on SoFo from NBA.com Sofo Profile (Baby Shaq) </div> You do this everytime. Just tell them to go into NBA.com and look at their profiles.</div> lol, i know it's easier that way. so that's how he's moving up in posts 8) , jp.</div> well if i were to say that in every draft capsule it would be the same amount anyways...im giving a link so people wont have to search for it
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting "raptors21":</div><div class="quote_post">he would be a center he is nt quik enough to play power forward.</div> ya i guess, but at 300 pounds hes the right size for it
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting "purehoops":</div><div class="quote_post">When I see this guys name I just say... Sofoklis Snuffleupagus noone else laughed... screw you guys
