VITALS: 6-11, 244, Khimik Youzhny (Ukraine) OVERVIEW: Lishouk has plated professionally since 1998, spending five seasons with Pulsa Rovno of the Ukrainian League. The 22-year-old played nine games this past season for Khimik Youzhny - another club in his native land - and averaged 16.3 points and 8.3 rebounds. Lishouk is an attractive prospect because of the improvement he has shown in his game. He is an excellent shooter who can step inside and out and puts his quick hands to good use on the defensive end. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Lishouk injured his ankle and never was able to appear in a game at Chicago. A good performance at the camp could have pushed him into the early second round. Since so few NBA staffs have intimately scouted Lishouk, however, his draft stock has slid, by no fault of his own. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Christian Laettner COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Paul Grant ROLE PROJECTION: Reserve POSITIVES: Lishouk measured 6-11 1/2 with shoes at Chicago. That, combined with his ability to spot up for perimeter jump shots, gives him an automatic NBA skill. He can shoot over the top of the defense using his height and draw big men out of the paint, opening the lane. Lishouk also has good touch in the post and is a solid shot-blocker and ball thief. SHORTCOMINGS: Given his lack of speed, one has to wonder how effective Lishouk can be in the NBA paint. He is never going to overpower anybody - his strength is marginal - and he lacks the foot speed or jumping ability to create separation from or defend his opponent. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "Kind of an unknown. Put up very good numbers against very weak competition. He's improved his body. He's a big man that has scoring ability - he can hit from the perimeter. He's a pretty good athlete, even though he's not really quick." - Sacramento Kings international scout Jason Filippi
