Draft Capsule: David West

Discussion in 'NBA Draft' started by Shapecity, Jun 24, 2003.

  1. Shapecity

    Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

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    VITALS: 6-9, 240, senior, Xavier

    OVERVIEW: West was named Atlantic 10 Player of the Year three times in his career, including an outstanding senior season at Xavier. West averaged 20.1 points and 11.8 rebounds, which was good for fifth in the country. He led Xavier in scoring and rebounding his last three seasons. West nearly declared for the draft last season before announcing at the team banquet that he would return. West had his No. 30 jersey retired by Xavier, becoming the third Musketeer to be honored in that way along with Tyrone Hill and Byron Larkin. West received a pair of national Player of the Year honors from the Associated Press and United States Basketball Writers Association. West shot nearly 82 percent from the line as a senior and averaged eight free-throw attempts per game.

    LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Mid- to late first round. Phoenix (17), New Orleans (18) and Utah (19) are the primary contenders. Golden State (11), Seattle (12, 14) and Boston (16, 20) also worked him out. Do not be surprised if West pulls a Carlos Boozer, however. That is, despite a tremendous college career, he could slip in the draft because of a perceived lack of upside.

    COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Brian Grant, Carlos Boozer, Malik Rose

    COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Anthony Bonner, James Forrest, Junior Burrough

    ROLE PROJECTION: Key reserve.

    POSITIVES: West's rebounding and shot-blocking productiveness was remarkable at the college level. There is not one team in the NBA that could not use more of those things. In addition, West is polished on the offensive interior and he is a mature person who could have bolted for the NBA draft two years ago, but elected to stay in school to pursue his college degree.

    SHORTCOMINGS: Like many power forward prospects of NBA drafts past, West is another athlete trying to shed the "undersized" label. He measures just 6-8 with shoes, a far cry from the 6-10-plus that many of the NBA's newest 4-men are coming into the league at. Because West is not an outstanding athlete, it could be hard for him to compensate. That, coupled with mediocre performances in workouts this month, is a sign that he may slip in the draft.

    WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "I think he'll be a much better pro than he was in college. He elevates his game whenever he wants it." - NBA director of scouting Marty Blake
     

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