Rookie/Free Agent Camp News & Notes - July 1, 2004

“We’re looking for what everybody suggests we so desperately need – a point guard,” said Bickerstaff. “We’re interested in having him come in and visit and see what Charlotte is all about. The important thing now is that we conveyed an interest.”

Teams can begin signing free agents on Wednesday, June 14.

Jason Kapono arrived at mini-camp today for his first official workout as a member of the Bobcats. Players that were chosen in the Expansion Selection and still under contract could not officially practice until July 1st.

Although tired after traveling across county from California on Wednesday, Kapono joined the group and was quick to notice the competition in camp.

“It’s a new team, it’s a new chance and there are 20-plus guys here who are trying to work for a job,” said Kapono. “Any time you have that much competition, it will definitely make the team better.”

The Bobcats released five players from the initial rookie/free agent camp roster on Wednesday and another on Thursday. Lonnie Cooper, Anthony Greenup, Jonathan Kerner, Grigory Khizhnyak, Justin Love and Kareem Shabazz are no longer on the roster.

Three players from the free agent tryouts remain with the team – Moustapha Diouf, Patrick Jackson and Pierre Wooten. Diouf continues to impress Bickerstaff.

“(Moustapha) is unbelievable,” said Bickerstaff. “With his hustle, he just never quits. Even today, he made some terrific plays where everybody else had stopped. He just keeps working at it. Some of the big guys with the muscle shirts on are all on the injured list, but 'Slim' is taking a pounding and he's withstanding it all."

Outside of those chosen in the Expansion Selection, two players have caught the eye of Bickerstaff early in mini-camp – Corey Benjamin and Kaniel Dickens.

“I think (Corey) Benjamin should be in the league. I don’t have any doubt about it. I think he’s grown,” said Bickerstaff. “And I think the one kid who is really pretty good is Kaniel Dickens. He’s got good skills and good size. I just think for those guys, it’s about finding an opportunity and they can play in the league.”

Benjamin spent three years with the Chicago Bulls after being selected in the first round of the 1998 NBA Draft. He also has appeared in the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks in 2002-03. Daniels was chosen by Utah in the second round of the 2000 NBA Draft. He was waived by the Jazz before the start of the season and has played in Russia, the NBDL and the CBA since that time. Last year, Daniels appeared in three games with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Three players have been added to the rookie/free agent mini-camp roster. Five-year NBA veteran Todd Fuller, Expansion Draft selectee Loren Woods and rookie center Arthur Johnson from the University of Missouri have joined the workouts this week.

Bickerstaff believes that Fuller’s experience could be an asset to his team.

“People don’t understand that there is a difference when you have played in the NBA – you know all the little nuances to the game,” said Bickerstaff. “Todd has got a big body and he understands how to play and he understands the game. I think that’s important.”

Fuller was a first-round pick by Golden State in 1996. He has played with the Warriors, Jazz, Hornets and Heat during his career. Last year, Fuller was with Tarragona in the Spanish League.

Johnson earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors as a senior and junior at Missouri. He completed his career as the school’s all-time leading rebounder (1,083) and shot blocker (245). The 6-9, 255-pound center averaged 16.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks as a senior.