VITALS: 6-8, 194, Real Madrid (Spain) 6-8, 194 OVERVIEW: Originally an early candidate for the draft in 2004 and 2005, Tomas withdrew his name both times. He played for KK Zagreb of the Adriatic League but got most of his experience with Croatia in the European Championships. Tomas was signed by Real Madrid of the Spanish ACB League in August 2005 and has played the last two seasons with the club. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Second-round pick. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Hedo Turkoglu COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Marko Jaric ROLE PROJECTION: Big shooting guard or small forward. POSITIVES: Tomas was nearly a prodigy, ranking second in the Adriatic League in scoring as a 20-year-old a couple of years ago. He is a shooting guard by trade and has the height to shoot the ball right over smaller defenders. He has enough athleticism to be able to compete against most players. He'll chip in on the boards and will move the ball to a teammate if a shot isn't there. SHORTCOMINGS: Tomas struggles to create shots for himself as he isn't blessed with the speed to rid a defender with a quick first step. Thus he must rely on teammates to drive and kick the ball to him for catch-and-shoot jumpers. Playing in the ACB in Spain, the best national league in Europe, he was used primarily in this capacity and has become almost a one-dimensional player. Defensively, Tomas would have to prove that he can guard shooting guards, but might be better off against small forwards.
