VITALS: 6-4, 200, Mitteldeutscher (Germany) OVERVIEW: Nikagbatse originally declared for the draft in 2003 before withdrawing his name from consideration. He returned to Europe where he joined the German outfit Mitteldeutscher in Bundesliga I and posted 11.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game while playing both backcourt positions. Nikagbatse also plays for Germany's national team. Competing with Dirk Nowitzki at the 2002 World Championships in Indianapolis at the age of 20, he averaged 7.4 points in 15.6 minutes per game. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Nikagbatse is a potential second-rounder after a solid showing at Chicago. He finished in the camp's top 20 in scoring, averaging 9.0 points per game, and converted 4-of-4 3-pointers in one contest. Nikagbatse played mostly off the ball, however, and was unimpressive when he was used at the point. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Devin Brown COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Toby Bailey ROLE PROJECTION: Reserve POSITIVES: Nikagbatse is one of the strongest guards you will find. He checked in at 223 pounds at Chicago and is built like a NFL running back. Nikagbatse is also an excellent athlete. He is an explosive finisher and can create his own shot off the dribble. He is a solid ball-thief and a good stand-still marksman. SHORTCOMINGS: Nikagbatse is an excellent spot-up shooter, but his accuracy greatly diminishes if you ask him to shoot off the dribble. He is a bit undersized for the 2-guard position but clearly does not understand how to run an offense when used at point. Nikagbatse may be too much of a 'tweener to succeed in the NBA.
