Draft 2003: Q and A with Drew Nicholas

What are teams looking for when they are looking at you in person or on tape or scouting you? What do they see in you do you think?

Nicholas: "Well, first off, I think I'm a pretty good shooter, one of the better shooters in the Draft...I have the ability to play both positions, especially as I get stronger. I'll be able to play some shooting guard, as well as point guard...I come from a very good program - NBA teams always like guys who are able to win, so all that stuff is on my side."

How well did that (college basketball) prepare you for the NBA?

Nicholas:"Really, I think the biggest thing was the amount of exposure. These guys got a chance to see me a lot because we played top-notch college basketball. We go against great athletes every night, and it gives you a chance to expose yourself...It let all the coaches see the good things, as well as the bad - hopefully the good things outweigh the bad."

Do you have any expectations for the Draft?

Nicholas:"Hopefully somewhere in the second round. I think I have been able to impress the teams I have gone to. In my individual workouts I think I looked better in person than I do on tape or watching me in games. I am a little more athletic than people think. Right now I'm just looking for a shot, a shot to get a chance to compete in the league."

Are teams looking at you as a point guard?

"Some look at me as point, some look at me as combo, it's been a mixture so far. I've heard a lot of feedback, teams really want to see if I'm able to play the point, but they know that I'm at-best when I can cut more screens and create opportunities to score the basketball. I am definitely capable of playing the point guard position, but I just never really had the chance to."

HEAT Partners