VITALS: 6-8, 245, Missouri OVERVIEW: Kleiza is an inside-outside threat who averaged 16.1 points and 7.5 rebounds as a sophomore this season. He excelled in the Big 12 Conference Tournament, averaging 29.5 points and nine rebounds. For the season, the Lithuanian shot 40 percent but just 27 percent from the arc in 113 attempts. Kleiza was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year last season despite playing just 16 games before dislocating his right shoulder, averaging 11.1 points and 8.4 rebounds in 23.5 minutes. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Kleiza could sneak into the bottom of the first round or last into the second round. If he doesn't hear his name in the first round, it won't be long before he hears it in the second. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Kenny Thomas COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Adam Keefe ROLE PROJECTION: Swing forward who can rebound and score. POSITIVES: At first glance, Kleiza looks like just another banger who will shove people out of the way to get rebounds. As you see him more and more, you notice he has a varied offensive game, able to step out and hit a jumper or use his strength around the basket. He is very active, aggressive and is playing as hard as he can from the opening tap. Like virtually every player from Lithuania, he can shoot the basketball. SHORTCOMINGS: Kleiza is an inch or two shorter and a few pounds lighter than most power forwards in the NBA. His aggressive play is likely to make up for these drawbacks, but it probably means he will have a transition period where he struggles to discover the adjustments needed to be successful.
