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SWEET
KANDI
MICHAEL OLOWOKANDI
7'0", 265,
Pacific
Why he's The Man:
Never heard of the "Kandi Man"? You will,
especially since he's likely to be one of the first three
picks. If he can be summed up in a word, it's
"upside."
Olowokandi has legit NBA-center size, and his childhood
soccer background has endowed him with unusually good
footwork—considering he's only been playing organized
hoops for three years. Some may call his lack of experience
a negative; what it really
means is that he doesn't have bad habits other players pick up
as preps. Under NBA tutelage, he will blossom. Plus, he's a
smart kid; he recruited himself to Pacific.
Don't expect an All-Star right away, à là Tim
Duncan—but as the old adage goes, "You can't
teach size." Down the road he'll be a powerful force
in the
pivot.
At best, he's the next:
Hakeem
Olajuwon
And if I'm wrong,
he's: Adonal
Foyle
—D.S.
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ON THE
ROAD
KEON CLARK
6'11", 220,
UNLV
Why he's The Man:
What a strange road it's
been. 1992-93: Senior year at Danville (Ill.)
High. 1993-94: Planned to enroll at Temple, but didn't have
enough core courses; placed at Irvine Valley College
(Calif.) by Owls coach John Chaney for the second
semester. 1994-95: Played 23 games at IVC; committed to Temple again. Failed to earn
associate's degree; took classes briefly at Danville Area Community College, then ended up at Dixie College (St. George,
Utah). 1995-96: Played 17 games at Dixie. Committed to
UNLV. 1996-97: First-team All-WAC selection, playing 29
games for Rebels. 1997-98: Suspended for first 11 games for taking spring break trip paid by agents. Played next 10 games.
Suspended indefinitely for violation of team rules on Feb.
9. Withdrew from UNLV on Feb.
24.
Clark, a lefthander, is a phenomenal athlete. His offensive game
is highlighted by some of the most vicious, explosive dunks in
recent memory. Can really run the floor. Also a spectacular
shot-blocker.
At best, he's the next:
A taller Bo Outlaw, a less-refined Antonio
McDyess.
And if I'm wrong, he's:
The second-coming of Elmore
Spencer.
—A.L.
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