June 24, 2006 - Bucks Training Center
On Saturday, June 24, the Bucks held their their seventh draft prospect workout at the team's training center in St. Francis, WI. In the days leading up to the 2006 NBA Draft (June 28), the Bucks will hold a series of these workouts as they prepare to decide who to select with their lone pick, the 39th overall selection. Saturday's workout roster included:
Bucks.com was on hand for the media availability following the 90-minute workout and chatted with three of the players ...
Corey Belser:
How many workouts have you been to?
This is my sixth team. I've worked out with Chicago, Orlando, Saramento twice, Portland, the Clippers and here.
How did today go?
It went good. It was a tough workout. I could have done a little bit better, but it was fun. I worked out against some good guys. Brandon Bowman is a (great) athlete. It was a good workout for me.
Do the workouts get easier as they go along?
Yeah, they have. It's tiring a little bit with the traveling. I travel from California, so it's like a two-hour difference. Trying to go to sleep early is a little bit difficult, so I'm staying up in the hotel room trying to get rest. But for the most part, it's a great experience. I've never been to Milwaukee before, so it was an opportunity to see a new place.
Well, what did you think of Milwaukee?
I like it. They took us to dinner downtown, which was pretty neat. And coming in, I got to see Lake Michigan for the first time. I was like, "Woah! Is this San Francisco or something?" To see a lake so big is ... I think coach was saying it's something like 60 miles across, which is ridiculous. I saw all of the sailboats out there, so it was pretty neat.
Is this your last workout?
Maybe. I might have another workout, but I'm not sure. My agent said I might have one with the LA Lakers, possibly a couple of other teams next week. But, you know, it's winding down, so Wednesday is the last day. Maybe this is my last, but I'm not positive yet.
What are your feelings and thoughts about your status right now?
I have a couple of offers from Summer League teams. Sacramento said they would put me on their Summer League team. Portland is interested. I know Chicago is interested. And possibly the Clippers. I know Milwaukee doesn't have a Summer League team, but hopefully I can get that 39th spot. That would be great. I'm hoping. I know it's a long road, being from a small, mid-major college.
What's your greatest skill?
The reason I'm getting workouts is because of my defensive ability. I think that it's a different type of athlete if you're a lot quicker and I can work on my lateral speed and really help develop my defensive ability. I think that's the one thing that's going to help me in the next level is my defensive ability. I'm kind of pigeon-holed as a Bruce Bowen-type player. So I need to try and get out of that pigeon-hole in a way and become my own person. But defense is definitely what's going to get me there.
Brandon Bowman:
How was the workout?
I felt it was good. I got to show some things I could do – athleticism, shoot a little bit, handle the ball, run the floor on the 2-on-2 drills. I thought overall it was a good showing.
Where else have you done workouts?
This is my eighth one.
How did this workout compare to other workouts?
It was pretty good. Some were higher than others, but I’d say this is on the high end. I came out to show them what I could do. I shot the ball real well in the shooting drills and I can dribble better than what people think. I made sure they got to see that. Overall, it’s probably one of the top two or top three workouts.
Why did you choose to pull out of the last draft and finish school?
It was a couple of reasons. I wanted to graduate from Georgetown, which I did a little bit over a month ago. We had a chance to be pretty good this year. We did pretty well. We went to the Sweet Sixteen. I realized what type of scene we would have. I wanted to be apart of it, and the college experience is great. I had one more year, so might as well finish it up.
Do you think the transition from college to NBA will be difficult?
It might be difficult at times, but overall it’s just basketball. If you’ve done the college thing for four years, how much different can the NBA be, besides you have more freedom. I’m up for the task. I’m ready for whatever comes my way.
Jared Newson:
What did you think of the workout?
It was pretty good – intense. It was short, but real intense. We had some athletic guys in here, so it wasn’t an easy workout by far. Overall, I think I did good.
What did you pick up from the workout?
A couple times on defense, I had my hands on a guy when I should have had them off. That’s something I’m improving on everyday – my defense intensity. That’s what I bring to the table. I have a 7’1” wingspan, so if I get my defense right, and I have quick feet, I’ll be on another level.
What other workouts have participated in?
I’ve been to Memphis, Chicago, and now I have a couple lined up.
How did this work out compare to the others?
Well Chicago, it went about an hour and 45 minutes. It was long. We had six people in there. It was the first time we did 2-on-2 full court, so it caught me by surprise. There wasn’t too much I couldn’t handle. Overall, I feel good about it all.
Are you anxious for the draft night?
Yes, so I can get it over with. I’m from a small school, so I have to come in and prove myself in an undrafted way. I didn’t get (publicized) as much. There are a lot of good guys that came out late second round or undrafted that are in the NBA now.
Are you hoping to be one of those great players?
Most definitely.
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