Draft Capsule: Michael Sweetney

Discussion in 'NBA Draft' started by Shapecity, Jun 23, 2003.

  1. Shapecity

    Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

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    VITALS: 6-8, 260, junior, Georgetown

    OVERVIEW: Sweetney is an early entry out of Georgetown, where he averaged 22.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.2 blocks last year to lead the Hoyas in all three categories. Sweetney was an All-Big East first team selection each of the last two seasons. Sweetney collected 31 points and 19 rebounds in the second of three losses to national champion Syracuse. Sweetney ranks seventh on Georgetown's all-time scoring list with 1,750 points. Although he is set to continue the tradition of Hoya big men, the 6-8 Sweetney is closer in size to Othella Harrington than Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning or Dikembe Mutombo. He has drawn comparisons to Elton Brand of the Los Angeles Clippers. Sweetney is also a 73 percent foul shooter and averaged nearly 10 free-throw attempts a game a year ago.

    LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Picks 10-15. Washington (10) has local pressure to draft Sweetney because he played his college ball in that city, but such a move would be an insult to 2001 top overall pick Kwame Brown. Seattle (12, 14) is the most likely suitor, although it is also rumored to be considering Kansas F Nick Collison, Illinois F Brian Cook and Serbian F Zarko Cabarkapa and is almost certain to take a point guard with one of its selections.

    COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Elton Brand, Kenny Thomas, Clarence Weatherspoon

    COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Doug Edwards, Byron Houston

    ROLE PROJECTION: Immediate starter

    POSITIVES: There is no player in this draft with as much footwork and back-to-the-basket scoring ability as Sweetney, who also is a good foul shooter. He might be the most polished, NBA-ready prospect. Sweetney will likely be an immediate starter and can be counted on for 14 points and eight boards on a nightly basis.

    SHORTCOMINGS: Sweetney lacks classic power forward size, as he is an inch or two shorter than most of his counterparts. The good news is Sweetney's oversized wingspan helps to make up for that size deficiency. His lack of athleticism, poor body tone, and 6-8 height, however, has many general managers unimpressed with Sweetney's upside. There is little doubt he will be a good player in the NBA, but does he really have the makings of a star?

    WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "Mike's intriguing because he has great size, runs the floor not fast but he runs it hard I think he will be a decent player in our league because of his high energy level and he will compete. If he gets his body more defined with a better cut, he would be a little more effective. He's playing now with 10 pounds of baby fat. I am not concerned about his lack of height I think he can even play center in our league. Mike is one of those guys who will find a way to get it done." Denver Nuggets draft consultant Kim Hughes
     
  2. purehoops

    purehoops JBB KGSource

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    I like this guy a lot... he appears he has what it takes to be a NBA star... Im routin for the hometown boy...
     

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