VITALS: 6-10, 230, FC Barcelona (Spain) OVERVIEW: Varejao declared early for the 2003 draft before opting to return. The Brazilian averaged 7.5 points and 4.4 rebounds this season for FC Barcelona. Varejao impressed observers in the United States at the 2002 World Championships in Indianapolis with some solid play. The forward is not a physical player. Varejao's strength lies in his athleticism - he has a volleyball background - and his shooting. The 21-year-old is still learning how to play. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Varejao is a mid-to-late first-round pick. Every team in the bottom third would love to have the young Brazilian forward coming off its bench. Since Varejao isn't a high-upside guy and may stay in Europe one or two more seasons, it could be difficult for him to crack the teens, although strong workouts are helping his cause. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Robert Horry, P.J. Brown COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Carlos Rogers, Jared Jeffries ROLE PROJECTION: Key reserve, future spot starter. POSITIVES: There are few players in this draft that boast Varejao's experience. Not only is he a few months shy of his 22nd birthday, but his time with F.C. Barcelona has afforded him the opportunity to participate in the Euroleague and ACB Spanish League, two of the best circuits outside the NBA. Moreover, Varejao has matched up with NBA players frequently in international competition, often flourishing. He's long, athletic, can handle, shoot, hit the glass, swat shots and cause turnovers. SHORTCOMINGS: Varejao is a hybrid forward - he has some 3 and 4 in him but he is truly neither. That will cause problems for him in the NBA, as he lacks the shooting prowess to face the basket on a full-time basis and lacks the low-post game to play exclusively in the paint. At best, Varejao projects to be very good role player - he does a lot of things well, but nothing well enough to star. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "He's definitely an NBA player but he hasn't improved much over the years. He could drop into the second round even though I hear that very good workouts have him back in the 20s. He can run, fill the lane like a NBA forward, but his offensive game is still really unpolished. Doesn't have a clear position." - Sacramento Kings international scout Jason Filippi
