Hornets draft workout interview: Day 4
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets.com
The final day of New Orleans draft workouts featured Baylor frontcourt player Ekpe Udoh, who transferred to the Big XII school for his junior season, after two years with Michigan. Udoh is a native of Edmond, Okla.EKPE UDOH, BaylorQ: How was your workout?A: That was a serious workout right there. I liked it. This was my 12th workout. Ive gone to 10 teams, including two teams twice Sacramento and Indiana.Q: Did you like being the only guy, with all of the attention on you?A: Sometimes, depending on the workout. Coach Williams really did a good job with me today,Q: Of all your workouts, was this the first time a head coach has banged on you?A: Yes it was. I was surprised, because when I walked in I thought he was just going to be a rebounder. [smiles] His defense is good. A little physical, but it was good.Q: Would you be surprised if you are still on the board at 11?A: I dont know. I just want my name to get called. Its a once-in-a-lifetime thing, to get an invite to the green room.Q: Are you familiar with the Hornets at all?A: Yes, they were in Oklahoma City, so I know a little bit about them.Q: Whats your best position? Is it 3, 4 or 5?A: 4.Q: Do you feel like youve shown some of your offensive game in these workouts?A: Well, I know defense and rebounding is where Im going to make my first impact. Offense is just something Im going to work on.
Baylor's Udoh visits on Day 4 of workouts
Projected first-round draft pick Ekpe Udoh will be at the Alario Center later today for an individual workout with the Hornets. The following is his pertinent biographical information:Ekpe Udoh Baylor Forward 6-10, 240 Edmond, Okla.Versatile offensive player with excellent size and good athleticism two-way player who is a very good rebounder and shot blocker has a high basketball IQ and has shown a very high learning curve, along with a good feel for the game an early entry candidate for the 2010 NBA Draft named an Honorable Mention All-America by The Associated Press last season, as well as being named to the All-Big 12 Second Team by The Associated Press named to the Big 12 All-Defense team by coaches as a junior. Earned Big 12 Player of the Week honors in January of his junior season named to Big Ten All-Defensive team as a sophomore at Michigan last season, led team in rebounding (9.8 rpg) and blocked shots (3.7 bpg) while ranking second in assists (2.7 apg) and third in points (13.9 ppg) started all 36 games, scoring in double figures 26 times including six games of 20 points or more and 16 double-doubles also posted 20 games with 10 or more rebounds, 13 games with five or more blocks, and 21 games with three or more assists his 3.7 blocks per game on the season ranks first all-time in Baylor history.