VITALS: 6-8, 196, JDS Dijon (France) OVERVIEW: Sanikidze is a native of Tbilisi, Georgia who played one year for Dijon in the French Pro A League. The 18-year-old spent a year of college in the United States at Globe Tech in the 2001-02 season before returning to Europe. Like most youngsters, Sanikidze saw little action for his club team. The best evidence of his ability came in the 2004 European Championships for Juniors in which he averaged 18.6 points and 11.6 rebounds playing for Georgia. Despite those rebounding numbers, his game is more perimeter-oriented and may suit an NBA team looking to stash away a developing prospect overseas. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Sanikidze is almost too young to project, considering he has received so little playing time over his career. A club with a strong international network and intimate knowledge of him may be able to get a steal in the second round. At only 18, Sanikidze has a chance to develop into something special down the road. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Matt Harpring COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Martin Muursepp ROLE PROJECTION: Reserve POSITIVES: Sanikidze has all the tools to be a good NBA small forward. He is a skilled shooter, possesses the ability to spot up or create his own shot, is potentially a solid finisher and rebounder in the paint and has good basketball instincts. He did not receive much playing time for his pro team but has starred at the junior national team level in Europe. SHORTCOMINGS: At just 196 pounds, Sanikidze is still growing into his 6-8 frame. Right now, he would get destroyed defensively in the NBA. Whichever team selects Sanikidze would have to stash him in Europe for a few seasons before allowing him to come to the United States. He is just too far away from having the tools to compete in the league right now. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "He's a long-term project. He's fundamentally, technically sound. But all the young Europeans have issues. Growth issues. Experience issues." - Charlotte Bobcats director of international scouting Tim Shea
