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Soumaila Samake Drafted by New Jersey Nets in Round 2, pick 36 Position: Center College: Cincinnati Stuff (IBL) Conference: Height: 7'2" Weight: 230 Age: Birthdate: 03/18/78 High School:

NBA fans had better learn how to pronounce this guy's name, because he's got game. Here's some help: Soumaila (soo-My-luh) Samake (sa-MAH-key). NBA scouts learned the proper pronunciation of Samake's name in a hurry as they flocked to IBL games to seek him labor for the Cincinnati Stuff. Though a raw talent -- this native of West Africa didn't play college basketball -- there is obviously much in Samake's game to excite the NBA. He led the IBL in blocked shots and shot 56 percent from the field and a respectable 69 percent from the free-throw line. He averaged 9.7 points and 7.6 rebounds. Samake was a tad foul prone (255 in 60 games, for a 4.25 average) and had 143 turnovers, but his upside has the scouts salivating. Look for him to go in the first round.

Career Statistics
Season	G	FGs	PCT	3-pts	PCT	FTs	PCT	RPG	APG	BLK	STL	PTs	AVE
'99-00	60	235-413	.569	0-2	.000	114-165	.691	7.6	0.6	162	(2.7)	27	584

Notables

"I heard how much money they make, what kind of car they have, what kind of house they build," Samake says of NBA players. "I say, 'I can do this.'"

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