VITALS: 6-10, 238, Snaidero Udine (Italy) OVERVIEW: An early entry candidate for the 2004 draft before withdrawing his name, Slokar split this season between Benetton Treviso and Snaidero Udine in Italy. After averaging 2.8 points and 2.7 rebounds for Benetton, the 22-year-old was loaned to Snaidero where he scored 7.8 points and pulled down 5.6 boards. Before signing with Benetton in the summer of 2003, Slokar played one year in the Slovenian League as a 19-year-old. He won the Rookie of the Year award, averaging 17.3 points. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Late first round or second round. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Pau Gasol COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Nikoloz Tskitishvili ROLE PROJECTION: Tall small forward. POSITIVES: Slokar is a lefthander with a knack for shooting from the perimeter. He was a big scorer in Slovenia who has seen reduced minutes since transferring to the top league in Italy in 2003. In January 2005, Benetton Treviso loaned him to Snaidero Udine (also in Italy's top league) so he could get more playing time. He did very well with that opportunity. He probably would be amenable to honing his game in Italy for another year or so, making him attractive to NBA teams who don't have room for him right now. SHORTCOMINGS: Slokar lacks the strength to play inside against NBA power players. He prefers the perimeter shot to playing with his back to the basket. Despite his height, he is more of a small forward.
