2006 Pre-Draft Camp: Day 1 Notebook
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2006 NBA Pre-Draft Camp
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The NBA's annual Pre-Draft Camp is making its first stop in the Orlando area - calling Disney's Wide World of Sports its home for the 2006 session after spending a number of years in Chicago at the Moody Bible Institute.
Between Tuesday and Saturday, prospects will show off their skills in front of representatives from all 30 teams. They will not only be tested and watched for their game-playing abilities, but will also take physicals and other tests, along with attend meetings that will give an overview of life in the NBA.
The action kicked off Tuesday evening at the Wide World of Sports "Milk House", which contains three full-sized courts and enables three games to occur at the same time.
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After spending some time paired up against one another, the teams would switch courts in order to play directly in front of a new set of scouts and team officials, learn a new offensive scheme and then run through the process again.
FAMILIAR FACE - Former Orlando Magic player Nick Anderson is serving as one of the 12 coaches at this year's Pre-Draft Camp. Anderson said he approached the league about participating at this year's camp and is getting his first dose in a coaching capacity.
"This is the first day and I'm having a great time," Anderson said. "This is something I'm really enjoying."
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Former Magic guard Nick Anderson is one of 12 coaches this week at the Pre-Draft Camp
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"I'm going to tell them what it takes to make it in the league, tell them what the GMs and team presidents that are here are looking for," Anderson said. "They are looking for the hard workers - guys that are dedicated to the game and guys that want to play for the love of the game - not just for the money."
Anderson said he's hoping his participation at this year's camp could lead to a future coaching position in the future.
"Hopefully, somebody will want me to be a part of their organization," Anderson said. "This is someting I love to do. I'm a basketball freak. I eat, sleep and breathe basketball."
Anderson is coaching alongside former NBA player Rory White. Other coaches at this year's camp are Ralph Lewis, Buck Williams, Mitchell Anderson, Jim Farmer, Kenny Gattison, Johnny Moore, Gary Kloppenburg, Grant Long, Scott Layden and Popeye Jones.
MILK HOUSE? - Wondering why Disney named its venue The Milk House? That's because The Milk House is sponsored by the National Dairy Association. The Milk House covers over 30,000 square feet on the bottom floor and can hold 5,000 spectators - giving it ample space to house a growing event like the Pre-Draft Camp.
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A look at the first day of action at Pre-Draft Camp - inside Disney's spacious Milk House
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NOT PRESENT - A few players that were expected to participate in camp action were not present on Tuesday. PJ Tucker from Texas was advised not to participate due to a groin strain. The 6-5 forward was examined by the medical staff upon his arrival at the camp and then chose to return home to be evaluated by his personal physician. Tucker's Longhorn teammate, Daniel Gibson, along with California's Leon Powe, were expected to participate in the event, but opted out at the last minute.
FORMER CHAMPS IN THE FIELD - While no Florida Gators are present from the 2006 National Championship Team, UCLA (the national runner-up) is represented by Jordan Farmar, who most are projecting as a late-first, early-second round selection. Meanwhile, David Noel from the 2005 North Carolina squad is present, along with Rashad Anderson and Denham Brown from UConn's 2004 title squad and Gerry McNamara, who arose to national stardom by helping Carmelo Anthony and Syracuse to the title in 2003.
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Memphis' Darius Washington speaks with reporters following the first day of drills at the NBA Pre-Draft Camp.
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"I'm just going to go full speed ahead and if it doesn't work out, I'll have a home at Memphis," Washington said.
Washington said he'll wait until after he's finished the Pre-Draft Camp and completed his individual workouts before determining whether or not he'll stay in the Draft. Players who have not hired an agent and wish to retain their NCAA eligibility have until June 18th to decide whether to keep their name in the Draft.
Washington said he's spoken to Pittsburgh's Carl Krauser, who entered the Draft last year and participated in the Pre-Draft Camp before deciding to return to Pitt for his senior season. Washington and Krauser are playing on the same team this week.
Krauser is participating in the camp for the second straight year and hoping his return to Pitt has helped demonstrate his talent and desire to play in the NBA. Last year, Marquette senior point guard Travis Diener had a very successful visit to the Pre-Draft Camp and eventually became the Magic's second round selection.
Matthew Gardner is a writer for orlandomagic.com
