LAKE BUENA VISTA (June 6, 2006) - Sixty-two NBA prospects have made their way to Orlando this week in order to demonstrate their
abilities to play at the next level in front of the league's biggest decision makers.
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.
The 62 prospects were divided up into six teams of 10 or 11 players. After spending 10 minutes practicing the
offensive set they would be executing, two teams would square off against one another - demonstrating their abilities
to run the offensive and also their ability to shut it down on the defensive end.
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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A 13-year NBA veteran, who played 10 of those seasons in Orlando before finishing his career in Sacramento and
Memphis, Anderson said he's thankful to have the opportunity to use his NBA experience to help others fulfill their
dreams.
"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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MISSING PLAYERS - Much like every year, many of this year's top prospects are in town, but won't be participating in
the camp action. Players such as Texas' LaMarcus Aldridge, LSU's Tyrus Thomas, Gonzaga's Adam Morrison and
Washington's Brandon Roy - all considered by most to be Lottery picks - are all in town, but will only undergo
physical testing.
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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TESTING THE WATERS - For many early entries into the NBA Draft, the Pre-Draft Camp can provide clues on whether their
name will be called on Draft night. Such is the case for Memphis sophomore Darius Washington. Though he's not
considered by most to be a first round pick, Washington is using the camp in order to impress scouts and improve his
chances in the Draft.
"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
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