SOFOKLIS SCHORTSANITIS

Position: PF Country: Greece Pro Club: Iraklis Salonica Ht., Wt.: 6'9, 275 Selected by Los Angeles Clippers Round 2, pick 5 (34 overall)

BIO: Schortsanitis is a Greek native who has drawn plenty of attention in this draft for his 6-9, 255-pound frame. His physique has earned him the nickname "Baby Shaq." The 17-year-old averaged 11.0 points and 6.2 rebounds last season with Iraklis in the Greek league and shot 58 percent from the floor. Like Shaquille O'Neal, Schortsanitis shot 52 percent from the free-throw line as well. In Greece, his coach prohibited him from shooting outside jumpers although he reportedly possesses a decent shot. Schortsanitis' size became an issue since original reports had him listed as closer to a true center at 6-11. Schortsanitis' mother is 6-3 and he has a brother who is 16 years old who is supposedly 6-6, 250 pounds. ANALYSIS: Smart, aggressive and tough, Schortsanitis is an emerging talent. He's got some moves in the paint, shoots a jump hook and can also step out to about 18 feet. Schortsanitis is a hard worker who will only get better. The only knock on him right now is inexperience.he's just 18 years old. POSITIVES: Just the size of Schortsanitis' neck gives you an idea about what the rest of his body looks like - and it is huge. For a kid who is just in his teens, that is impressive. Schortsanitis' strength is what allowed him to excel in one of the best leagues in the world so early on. Last season, his field-goal percentage and offensive rebounding totals were among the highest recorded in Greece. Given that Schortsanitis has a proven track record of quality production overseas - something many of this year's international prospects lack - it is a safe bet that he will not be a major bust in the NBA like a number of touted Europeans of the past. NEGATIVES: Schortsanitis largely plays the game off of his physical talents, not knowhow. He makes errors on a regular basis due to his immaturity and will need a few years of schooling to tap into his potential. The other big knock on Schortsanitis is his height. Although he was listed as tall as 7 feet in Greece, he is actually just 6-8 1/2 without shoes. That cannot be categorized as undersized, but it certainly takes away from his intrigue. PROJECTION: Late First Round