VITALS: 6-6, 230, Skipper Bologna (Italy) OVERVIEW: Delfino is described as a Manu Ginobili clone and possesses the same flair and feel for the game like his fellow Argentine. Delfino has spent the last three seasons in Italy's first division, spending last year with Skipper Bologna. Delfino averaged 9.8 points and recorded three double-doubles for Skipper Bologna last season. The 20-year-old shot 35 percent from beyond the arc a year ago. Delfino was a member of Argentina's under-21 team, which finished third at the 2001 under-21 world championships. Delfino has spent five years playing professional basketball, including the first two in his native Argentina. Delfino has above-average skills in virtually every facet of his game and turned in his best efforts last season against Barcelona and Benetton Treviso, two of the better teams in Europe. Delfino finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds against the Italian power. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Late first or early second round. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Emanuel Ginobili COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Ron Riley ROLE PROJECTION: Reserve. POSITIVES: Delfino has been one of the biggest names on the international basketball scene over the last three years. The Italian league, where he has spent most of his professional career, is among the best leagues in the world - certainly better than any college basketball conference - so Delfino will not be shocked by the level of physicality and athleticism in the NBA once he arrives. His strength lies in his game going to the basket. He is a good athlete and absorbs contact well. This past season, Delfino showed marked improvement in his outside shot. SHORTCOMINGS: Delfino has never been a dominant player during his career, and there are still those who question his perimeter shooting after a nightmarish 2001-02 in which he struggled with the long ball. Delfino could be a reach if he is selected in the first round; the hype of the European invasion has been known to produce some busts.
