<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">PHOENIX - Salim Stoudamire went through all the requisite shooting and ball-handling drills for the Suns on Thursday. Then the most important part of his workout may have begun. That is when Stoudamire went into a private room and chatted with Suns college scout John Shumate for about 10 minutes. After completing a UA career marked by unparalleled shooting - and attitude questions alike - Stoudamire is facing on- and off-the-court examinations in his 13 scheduled pre-draft workouts this spring. Teams are wondering if the 6-foot-1-inch prospect can play point guard, where he rarely played in college - and if he can be a good citizen. The Suns were exam No. 11. "I know what his game is, but I wanted to see what the attitude was," Shumate said. "You want to know: Is the energy positive? As far as basketball skill level goes, I think Salim can do anything on the court that would be asked or needed of him. "But as an organization, you want to make sure you do your due diligence and homework. You want to bring in guys who will bring positive energy. To me, that's what we're looking for." Sporting a beard and short haircut at the America West Arena practice court, Stoudamire said he believes he has helped himself during all the off-court conversations he has had on his busy pre-draft tour. Teams have "gotten a chance to talk to me and hear me out, to know me as a person," Stoudamire said. "I have a perception as being a guy with an attitude. ? That's been the rap on me all along. But I'm not going to be someone I'm not. I'm still myself." It also has helped Stoudamire's case that UA coach Lute Olson has backed him, after having to discipline Stoudamire repeatedly throughout his four-year career. Olson continually has said that Stoudamire turned a corner for good after a Dec. 18 suspension at Marquette, and added this week that he believes Stoudamire will remain a good citizen. Olson's beliefs caught the ears of Suns executives. "He's one of the best shooters in the country, and we've gotten very good reports from the coaching staff down at U of A, with Lute Olson in particular," Suns president Bryan Colangelo said. "He says (Stoudamire) has come a long way." </div> Source
