By Dustin Krugel, Suns.com
Posted: June 19, 2002

The Phoenix Suns finally got their first glimpse of Chris Wilcox in person, but were left a little disappointed Wednesday night. Not with what they saw from Wilcox, but what they didn’t see.

Instead of choosing to do private workouts with several NBA teams as is traditionally done, the Maryland sophomore opted for three workouts that were scheduled by his agent Rock Newman, who also represents heavyweight boxer Riddick Bowe. Phoenix was Wilcox’s last stop after previous visits to Chicago and New York, and included representatives from lottery teams Golden State, Denver, Miami, Memphis, the Clippers and Suns.

The teams were strictly spectators for the two-hour workout, however, which was directed by Ivory Manning, who participates in the L.A. summer leagues.

Suns Head Coach Frank Johnson said the workout left him wanting more and said he didn’t learn anything new about Wilcox, who looked good in a No. 8 Suns practice jersey.

“You wanted them to show some of his athletic ability,” Johnson said. “That is a strength of his, his ability to get out on the break. He runs like a small forward. More than anything, I would have loved to see that.”

Johnson said the Suns usually line up two guards and two big men so they can run situational drills, such as pick and rolls. Wednesday’s workout included the 6-10, 221-pound Wilcox, 6-10, 230-pound forward DeAngelo Collins of Inglewood High School (Calif.), 6-10, 240-pound center Jermaine Williams of Charlotte and 6-8, 210-pound swingman Mladen Sekularac of Yugoslavia.

Denver GM Kiki Vandeweghe shared Johnson’s sentiments. The Nuggets hold the fifth selection in next Wednesday’s NBA Draft.

“The optimum is that we bring them in and put them through and see the things we want to see,” Vandeweghe said. “That’s clearly the best. I really think it works out best for the kids, too. (But) that’s their choice. I think it hurts them, but, of course, that is the player’s and agent’s choice.”

Nonetheless, the Suns were pleased to see Wilcox, who has leapfrogged over several other prospects after a successful NCAA Tournament run. The 19-year-old previously cancelled a May 18 workout with the Suns because he did not have enough time to recover from a hamstring injury suffered during the middle of his sophomore season.

“You always want to see them in person,” Johnson added. “You want to see what their bodies look like. Sometimes on tape you really can’t see that. He needs to get some fat on him (laughs). The guy doesn’t have any body fat, but he has a very impressive body.”

Surprisingly, the surefire lottery pick may have yet another workout, this time with the Rockets, who possess the No. 1 overall selection.

“Clearly as a result of the way he has worked out, his stock just continues to rise and we’re excited about that,” said Newman, who wore a colorful orange jumpsuit at the workout. “He’s going to Houston tomorrow and Houston is seriously giving him consideration as a possible No. 1 pick if the Yao (Ming) situation doesn’t work out. His upside is unlimited. He could go anywhere now. We’re real excited.”

YUGOSLAVIAN WORKS OUT

One of the draft’s biggest shooting guards, Mladen Sekularac, competed against Wilcox and also impressed scouts Wednesday night.

The Yugoslavian was originally an early entry candidate for the 2000 and 2001 drafts, but withdrew his name from consideration each time. Apparently, the third time will be the charm for Sekularac, who has increased his scoring in each of his five seasons playing in Europe.

The 21-year-old member of the Yugoslavia National Team averaged 17.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.9 steals and 2.0 assists for FMP Zeleznik in 33.0 minutes per game in his most recent season.

“I thought he was good,” Vandeweghe said. “He competed with the guys down on the post and he can obviously really shoot the ball.”

According to the J&J European Basketball Register, he is most comfortable playing both guard positions despite his height. Their report praises his athletic ability, running speed and quickness, and says he possesses leadership qualities, as well.

Retired Phoenix favorite Dan Majerle popped in to catch Wilcox's workout. (Jeramie McPeek/Suns Photos)

JAM PACKED GYM

The America West Arena practice court was a popular place on Wednesday night. Not only were NBA executives like Vandeweghe, John MacLeod, Elgin Baylor and Garry St. Jean in attendance for Wilcox’s workout, but so were several familiar faces to Phoenix fans.

Suns CEO Jerry Colangelo and Senior Executive VP Cotton Fitzsimmons were joined in the balcony by forward Shawn Marion, legend Alvan Adams, former assistant coach Lionel Hollins, and the recent retiree Dan Majerle.