VITALS: 6-8, 220, Duke OVERVIEW: Deng spent just one season of college ball at Duke, averaging 15.1 points and 6.9 rebounds while putting on display his unique talents to help the Blue Devils reach the Final Four. Deng is an excellent passer for a player his size while also rebounding and shooting well. Deng made 36 percent of his 3-pointers, a deceiving figure for a player with a tremendous shooting stroke. The native of the Sudan is also an excellent passer, a skill he used in high school in a motion-oriented system at Blair Academy in New Jersey. Deng is one of nine children and was raised in London, where his father was granted political asylum in 1993. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Chicago (3) and Charlotte (4) are the favorites. If Deng slides, however, his free-fall probably will last only a pick or two. The Duke freshman is one of the draft's few sure things, and any club situated in the lottery will be hard-pressed to pass that up. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Mark Aguirre, Carmelo Anthony, Caron Butler COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Shane Battier, Josh Howard ROLE PROJECTION: Starting forward POSITIVES: Deng has the prototypical small forward body and an outstanding wingspan. He shows great balance on drives, is aggressive following his own shot, can hit the standstill 3-pointer and enjoys operating with his back to the basket. Furthermore, he is potentially a great defender who hits the glass and blocks shots. Deng has a nose for the ball and plays with a lot of tenacity. SHORTCOMINGS: Deng is neither a superb athlete nor outside shooter. One of those elements usually is required for stardom at a perimeter position in the NBA. If he had unusual size for his position, he could possibly compensate, but at 6-8, Deng is not big by NBA standards and it forces him to the wing. As it stands, Deng is largely an interior player with good perimeter skills, and not the other way around. He should be a force at the next level; just don't expect him to become a superstar. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "I don't think they (his representatives) have found a home for him just yet, but it seems like they'll find a home for him in the first dozen picks. I think it's a little uncertain as to how it's going to unfold in the top-10 but it seems like he's in there. - Boston Celtics director of player personnel Leo Papile
