DARKO MILICIC

Position: PF Country: Serbia-Montenegro Pro Club: KK Hemofarm Vrsac Ht., Wt.: 7'0, 245 Selected by Detroit Pistons Round 1, pick 2 (2 overall)

BIO: Milicic is a 7-footer from Yugoslavia who is likely to be selected second by the Detroit Pistons, who are enamored with the skills of the 18-year-old. Milicic played last season with Hemofarm Vrsac in his native Yugoslavia and averaged 9.5 points and 4.6 rebounds. Milicic plays sparingly with his club team, since it operates on a seniority system -- reportedly, his teammates do not pass him the ball enough and restrict what he can do on offense. Milicic is known for his amazing combination of agility and strength and is expected to start at center or power forward in the NBA. He is not a tremendous leaper, but he is the rare big man who can dominate action. Milicic is not a complementary player -- he is a first option who should be productive for years to come. ANALYSIS: Milicic is a handful to defend because he's too massive for the average small forward to contain and too quick to be held in check by the average power forward. Thus, it'll take an extraordinary defender to deal with him. Milicic knows how to score, uses his long arms to block shots and dominate on the glass and is considerably more athletic than a player his size has a right to be. He's going to need to add some bulk and strength and refine his post moves, because at times he's too reliant on his perimeter game. Amadou Gallo Fall, director of scouting for the Dallas Mavericks, told the Miami Herald: ''He's used to playing against older guys too and getting beat up. So I don't think he'll be in awe. Definitely, there will be an adjustment period. Yao Ming went through it. But I don't think there will be any intimidation. There will be high expectations, because he's a guy who's going to get drafted high, but, ultimately, I think he'll live up to it.' POSITIVES: Milicic's height at the 4-spot can only be matched by Chicago's Tyson Chandler and Minnesota's Kevin Garnett, giving him a tremendous advantage in getting his shot off at the next level. Additionally, Milicic has solid quickness, is tough and is fundamentally sound. There even has been talk of him playing small forward due to his ballhandling and shooting prowess. That, however, would take Milicic away from what he does best -- mixing it up on the inside. NEGATIVES: At this stage in his career, Milicic has proved little. While he looks great in an open gym, he is still learning how to use his talent in 5-on-5 situations. In this season's FIBA Final Four, which was heavily attended by NBA personnel, Milicic was outplayed by Americans not good enough to be in the NBA. At the same time, when you consider Milicic was only 17, his on-the-court performance remains better than Duncan's was at the same age. PROJECTION: Early First Round Photo: AP