VITALS: 6-10, 237, senior, North Dakota OVERVIEW: Beasley was named the MVP of the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament after averaging 14.0 points and 8.3 rebounds and earning an invitation to the pre-draft camp. Beasley was the Division II Player of the Year at North Dakota after averaging 26.6 points and 8.9 rebounds. North Dakota is the same school that Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson attended. As a junior, Beasley averaged 21.7 points and 7.9 rebounds and shined in a game against Kansas. Matched up against Drew Gooden (currently with the Orlando Magic) and Nick Collison, Beasley collected 20 points and 10 rebounds. Beasley is also a terrific 3-point shooter who has worked out for numerous teams, impressing scouts with his desire to make the NBA. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Late first or early second round. With his MVP performance at the Portsmouth Invitational, Beasley garnered workout requests from nearly every team. That said, it would be easier to list who he has not worked for. There is a lot of interest out there in Beasley, perhaps even enough to get him the guaranteed contract that the first round provides. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Tim Thomas COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Marcus Haislip ROLE PROJECTION: Future starter. POSITIVES: Beasley never played Division I basketball, but make no mistake about it, he is the real deal. At a legitimate 6-10, he has the handle and athleticism to lead the break and cut in front of defenders to finish. He is a quality long-range shooter who figures to only get better. At power forward, Beasley might not have enough dedication to rebounding the ball and blocking shots that would keep a coach happy, but when used at the 3-spot, he is a matchup problem waiting to happen. SHORTCOMINGS: Beasley does not show the productiveness on the boards and as a shot-blocker that a player of his physical abilities should. Whether he is soft or just lacks commitment, his weakness in those areas could plague him. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "Nobody ever heard of him until we showcased him at Portsmouth. He was MVP there. I think people will give him a chance (to play in the league) because he has a lot of talent. Jerome is going to have to adapt to the NBA game, but he is skilled." NBA director of scouting Marty Blake
