[Editor's note: TAI media guy Adam Douglas attended the Wizards pre-draft workout on June 14th, his report is below.]
The Wizards worked out six players on Monday, highlighted by Luke Harangody from Notre Dame and Trevor Booker from Clemson, and including Marqus Blakley (Vermont), Marquis Gilstrap (Iowa State), Trevon Hughes (Wisconsin) and Jeremy Wise (D-League), as the entire coaching staff , several personnel employees and team president Ernie Grunfeld closely watched. Below are some video interviews, pertinent draft info and pictures from the “job interview”, a concept Flip Saunders drilled into the heads of these professional basketball applicants after the workout.
Trevor Booker – Clemson, Sr.
Chicago Measurements: 6’6.25″ without shoes, 236 lbs., 6’6.75″ wingspan
Age: 22 (11/25/1987)
Draft Express Profile (Feb. 19, 2010):
Booker is just 6’7, but he has excellent length and strength, which suggests that his transition to the next level should be smoother than expected from undersized post players. Similarly, his explosiveness and quickness in the open floor will help him overcome his lack of size at the next level. Though undersized big men have done well in the NBA lately, and Booker’s athleticism helps his case significantly, but he still must prove to scouts he has what it takes to operate as a power forward at the next level.
- 37th mock pick to Bucks – NBADraft.net
- 40th mock pick to Pacers – Draft Express
- ‘Trevor Booker’ – Twitter Search
Booker’s Wizards Post Workout Interview:
Luke Harangody – Notre Dame, Sr.
Chicago Measurements: 6’6″ without shoes, 240 lbs., 6’9.5″ wingspan
Age: 22 (01/02/1988)
Draft Express Profile (Feb. 16, 2010):
Harangody’s play this season on the offensive end is indicative of an effort to diversify what he could potentially offer at the next level. His scoring ability is unquestioned, although it should be noted that he also leads all NCAA players in field goal attempts. The senior, known for his bruising play at the rim, has become significantly more perimeter oriented. Harangody showed some range last season, shooting 37% on a little over one three-point attempt per game, but he’s revamped his approach on the offensive end this season, nearly tripling the number of shots he’s taking from beyond the arc. Haragody has looked to score using his spot up game more frequently, but he’s only making 29.8% of the jump shots he’s taking according to Synergy Sports Technology, down from almost 37.5% last season. Considering the struggles he will surely have at his size to score inside the paint against bigger, longer and more athletic NBA big men, this is not a positive development for his NBA draft stock.
- 48th mock pick to the Heat – NBAdraft.net
- 60th mock pick to the Suns – Draft Express
- ‘Luke Harangody’ – Twitter Search
Harangody’s Wizards Post Workout Interview:
Other workout participants and Draft Express profile links:
- Marqus Blakely, F – Vermont, Sr. >> Chicago pre-draft measurements: 6’4.75″ without shoes, 219 lbs., 7’1″ wingspan
- Marquis Gilstrap, F – Iowa State, Sr. >> Chicago pre-draft measurements: 6’5.5″ without shoes, 207 lbs., 6’8.75″ wingspan
- Trevon Hughes, G – Wisconsin, Sr. >> Chicago pre-draft measurements: 6’0.5″ without shoes, 194 lbs., 6’5.5″ wingspan
- Jeremy Wise, G – Southern Miss/D-League >> Wise in a draft-eligible D-Leaguer, check out this profile of him on Ridiculous Upside.
Picture Time!
Bonus:
Check out Marqus Blakely win the 2010 State Farm College Slam Dunk Competition, during which he performs a double-dunk with his teammate and then proceeds to do the John Wall Dance.
