by Matthew Iaboni
--raptors.com
June 17, 2003
With the NBA Draft only days away, Raptors' management continues to put the prospects through their paces before the decision day arrives June 26 in New York.
Over the past few weeks the Raptors have worked out many possible draft picks including the increasingly intriguing Pavol Podkolzine, a 7-4 18 year-old from Russia, 7-footer Chris Kaman out of Central Michigan and 5-10 Texas point guard T.J. Ford.
Tuesday, the Raptors are in Washington D.C. looking at 6-8 forward
Mike Sweetney out of Georgetown. It's the second time that the power forward will work out for the team. Sweetney’s strengths are with his size and positioning and is praised for an excellent work ethic.
Georgetown's Michael Sweetney is tempting NBA general managers with his size and dedication. (NBAE/Getty Images)
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Wednesday the Raptors’ decision-makers are back in Toronto and will be conducting workouts at Air Canada Centre for the remainder of the week;
Chris Bosh, a 6-11 forward from Georgia Tech. averaged 15.7 points and 9.0 rebounds in his freshman year before declaring for the NBA Draft. Bosh’s best attribute is his athleticism and quickness.
Nick Collison, a 6-11 senior forward out of Kansas averaged 18.5 points and 10 rebounds a game as a senior. For someone his size, Collison is an excellent passer and has great experience with his four years at Kansas.
David Brkic is a 6-10 forward from Serbia-Montenegro. The 20 year-old played with Virtus Bologna in Italy last season.
On Thursday the Raptors turn their focus to the backcourt, working out three perimeter prospects.
One is 6-5 Canadian, Carl English out of the University of Hawaii. English was born in Patrick’s Cove, Newfoundland and averaged 19.6 points and 5.4 rebounds as a junior. He was named to the All-Western Athletic Conference first team last season and is climbing the depth charts fast after his solid showing at the NBA pre-draft camp in Chicago.
6-3 guard Kirk Hinrich from Kansas averaged 17.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists as a senior. Hinrich is a good passer and an excellent defender who may not be a top pick in the draft, but will grow into a solid pro for years to come.
Luke Ridnour from Oregon University averaged 19.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists last season for the Ducks. Ridnour is a prototypical point guard. He’s a good distributor who likes to get his teammates involved early and often.
On Friday the Raptors will shift their sights back onto the big men as three more prospects arrive for workouts.
6-11 centre Will McDonald from South Florida averaged 15.9 points and 8.1 rebounds as a senior. McDonald has a big body and should have no trouble banging down low in the NBA.
Matt Bonner is a 6-10 centre from the University of Florida. Bonner averaged 15.2 points and 6.1 rebounds as a senior and is an excellent shooter. Bonner was a terrific player in college, but whether or not he can adjust to the stronger and quicker NBA game remains to be seen.
6-11 Wesley Wilson from Georgetown averaged 6.6 points and 4.9 assists as a senior. Wilson is an excellent athlete who’s noted strength is shot blocking.
The Raptors have a big decision to make and it’s only days away. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, June 18 Workouts
| Position |
Name |
Height |
Weight |
School |
| Forward |
Chris Bosh |
6-10 |
210 |
Georgia Tech |
| Forward |
Nick Collison |
6-9 |
255 |
Kansas |
| Forward |
David Brkic |
6-10 |
208 |
Serbia-Montenegro |
Thursday, June 19 Workouts
| Position |
Name |
Height |
Weight |
School |
| Guard |
Kirk Hinrich |
6-3 |
190 |
Kansas |
| Guard |
Luke Ridnour |
6-2 |
175 |
Kansas |
| Guard |
Carl English |
6-5 |
205 |
Hawaii |
Friday, June 20 Workouts
| Position |
Name |
Height |
Weight |
School |
| Centre |
Will McDonald |
6-11 |
255 |
South Florida |
| Forward |
Matt Bonner |
6-10 |
240 |
Florida |
| Centre |
Wesley Wilson |
6-11 |
255 |
Georgetown |
