VITALS: 6-11, 215, sophomore, Minnesota OVERVIEW: Rickert is an early entry candidate out of Minnesota, where he played two seasons in college. Rickert signed with an agent early, foregoing his final two seasons of eligibility. Rickert was an All-Big Ten first team selection last year after averaging 15.6 points and 6.2 rebounds and helping the Golden Gophers reach the semifinals of the National Invitation Tournament. Two seasons ago, Rickert was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year after averaging 14.2 points and 5.2 rebounds. Rickert has established himself as an outside threat, shooting 35 percent from beyond the arc. Rickert chose to go to Minnesota over Kansas due to hometown pressure. He has good inside-outside skills and has solid versatility that has many observers projecting him as a power forward who can also swing outside. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Second round. Rickert's stock was higher following his freshman season, when he could have been a first-round selection. Rickert struggled in the early going of his sophomore season, however, and it left an impression on scouts. Essentially, his weaknesses became exposed. The decision to leave school in poor academic standing and then sign with an agent - even after Rickert's chances of being a first round selection were said to be unfavorable - led to the risky move he has made in coming out for the draft. Boston (20), Chicago (36, 45), Denver (46), Golden State (40), LA Lakers (24, 32), Memphis (27), Minnesota (26, 55), New Jersey (22, 51) and Seattle (41) all worked him out. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Detlef Schrempf, Tim Thomas COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Pete Chilcutt, Matt Bullard, Ryan Stack ROLE PROJECTION: Reserve POSITIVES: Rickert is a fine outside shooter who not only can hit the 3-pointer but also utilize it. The long ball is a regular part of his scoring, and he can open up penetrations to the basket with the ball fake from the perimeter. Additionally, Rickert is a good ballhandler and is smooth and coordinated in his movements. SHORTCOMINGS: Rickert is weak and slow. You can be one of those things in the NBA, but you cannot be both. In the NBA paint, Rickert stands to get pushed around and will have trouble setting up position in the lane. On the perimeter, Rickert will have trouble taking his man off the dribble because of mediocre lateral quickness. Where, then, is he going to find his shots? WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "He's a solid player, runs the floor well, but I would have liked to have seen him stay in school." Memphis Grizzlies scout Rodney Heard
