Bill Frakes/SI

Al Horford SELECTED BY: Atlanta Hawks, Round 1(3)

SI Grade 9 10 - Worthy of top pick 9 - Top 10 pick 8 - Late lottery pick 7 - Mid first round 6 - Late first round 5 - End of first/Start of second round 4 - First half of second round 3 - Middle of second round 2 - Late second round 1 - Fringe draft pick to free agent Close

PPG	FG%	RPG	APG	FT%
13.2	60.8	9.5	2.2	64.4

BIOGRAPHY: Of all the talented players that returned to Florida this past season to lead the Gators to a second straight NCAA title, Horford probably helped his stock the most. He could have jumped to the NBA as a sophomore after 2005-06, but developed post moves, started using his left hand and increased his range so much that he now hits 17-foot jumpers with regularity. That improvement will likely place him among the top five selections in the draft. The son of former NBA player Tito Horford had 18 points and 12 rebounds as he bodied up with potential No. 1 pick Greg Oden against Ohio State in the title game. Averaged 13.2 points and a team-high 9.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks on a squad that had five players average double figures in scoring this past season. Extremely tough and efficient in the paint _ attacks the basket with aggression. Has long arms and the body and skills to play in the NBA right away. A quintessential NBA power forward, with the quickness to beat most of the league's big men down the floor. Great on-court intelligence. Was nicknamed The Godfather by Florida coach Billy Donovan because _ like the character Don Corleone _ Horford doesn't say a whole lot but has great presence. Although his post skills have greatly improved, still needs a little more polish. Footwork in the post is sometimes choppy. Will be much more effective in the paint if he improves in that area. Often deferred to his teammates instead of establishing his presence when getting hot, but that could have been the product of the Gators having so many options on offense. Improved at the free-throw line throughout his career, but still shot just 64.4 percent this past season. One of the most NBA-ready players in the draft. Should contribute right away.