<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">When Kyle Lowry steps onto the practice court in FedExForum today, it will be the first time he'll exclusively work out for the Grizzlies. Lowry participated in nine different pre-draft workouts, but only interviewed with the Grizzlies. Their talk was enough for Lowry to walk into town today as the Grizzlies' first-round draft pick (No. 24 overall). Lowry and second-round pick Alexander Johnson will join second-year Grizzlies Hakim Warrick, Lawrence Roberts and Anthony Roberson for this week's free agent/rookie camp. Following the three-day camp, the Griz will travel to Long Beach to participate in the 2006 Summer Pro League from Saturday through July 19. "It was surprising," Lowry said of being selected by the Griz. "You can't ever tell what's going to happen with the draft. I really liked the staff. I got an understanding of what they needed and what they thought of me. It's a situation where I can learn and hopefully get some minutes." The former Villanova point guard finished his career averaging 9.5 points on 44.9-percent shooting, 3.8 rebounds and three assists over two seasons. Griz president Jerry West is excited about Lowry's grit. "He's going to bring toughness to our team, and we think that this gives us something where we can play at a little bit different level than we're playing at now. He really likes to compete. We think this will, in the long run, be something that will help us take a step forward." Lowry seems anxious to prove to the Griz that he is ready to contribute right away. "I'm going to be me," Lowry said, "and that's bringing maturity and toughness. I'm an unfinished product. (Shooting) is a knock but it's a positive knock because it's something I can get better at." The Grizzlies' seven-game summer schedule will pit them against the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards. Former University of Memphis players Billy Richmond and Waki Williams are on the Grizzlies' summer roster. Darius Washington declined an invitationm as the undrafted point guard chose to play with the Houston Rockets. </div> Source
