VITALS: 6-9, 205, North Carolina OVERVIEW: For the third consecutive year, a North Carolina big man was named the Atlantic Coast Conference's Rookie of the Year. And for the second time in that span, that player has decided to leave for the NBA. The thin-framed Wright is the latest, following the Atlanta Hawks' Marvin Williams. The power forward started all but one game, scoring 14.7 points, grabbing 6.2 rebounds and blocking a team-leading 1.8 shots. He led the ACC in field goal percentage (.646). Named to the All-ACC second team. Named the MVP of ACC tournament, becoming just the fifth freshman to accomplish that, as the Tar Heels collected their first title since 1998. Scored in double figures in each of his first 18 games, becoming the first UNC freshman to accomplish that since Rashad McCants in 2002-03. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: 3-10. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Larry Nance COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Derrick McKey ROLE PROJECTION: Rotation player as rookie; athletic combo forward. POSITIVES: Wright is an athletic marvel, able to score four or five baskets per game with absolutely no plays being run for him because of his leaping ability, timing and athleticism around the rim. At North Carolina, the offense revolved around other players, yet he was second in scoring and led the ACC in field goal percentage (.646). He recalls a young Antonio McDyess, who entered the NBA after two years in college yet was able to contribute right away while he was still learning the game. Wright will give his team points and rebounds while he figures out what the NBA is all about. SHORTCOMINGS: Wright is a raw talent. His build, his footwork, his understanding of the pick-and-roll - all these things and others will have to improve for him to maximize his spectacular potential. He won't be able to meet the expectations of the fans (and maybe of his own franchise) right away because they are unfairly high for such an unformed player. But with a little time, Wright will be more than all right.
