ZARKO CABARKAPA

Position: PF Country: Serbia-Montenegro Pro Club: KK Buducnost Ht., Wt.: 6'11, 220 Selected by Phoenix Suns Round 1, pick 17 (17 overall)

BIO: Cabarkapa is a Yugoslavian forward who has played the last two seasons for KK Buducnost, his professional team based in Serbia. Cabarkapa averaged a career-high 14.6 points and 4.7 rebounds last season and also played 13 Euroleague games in which he averaged 11.6 points and 4.8 rebounds. The 22-year-old Cabarkapa played his first three professional seasons with Beopetrol before being elevated to Buducnost, one of Europe's top clubs. Cabarkapa needs to gain more weight to adapt to the physical play in the NBA. Cabarkapa, who shot 68 percent last season, is a tremendous passer and possesses tremendous agility that allows him to get past bigger defenders. ANALYSIS: Cabarkapa is skilled and smart; he really knows how to play. He's got a varied offensive game and can score inside, on the drive, or from the perimeter. Huge wingspan allows him to get his shot off on most anyone, and he can be a disruptive presence defensively. He's also a gifted passer. Needs to gain some upper-body strength and bulk. Won a gold medal as a reserve with the Yugoslavian team at the 2002 world championships. POSITIVES: Few realize Zarko finished ahead of Darko is YUBA league scoring this season. That's right, Cabarkapa had a higher scoring average in Yugoslavia's domestic league than Darko Milicic, the projected No. 2 pick. Cabarkapa also is far more accomplished on the perimeter than Milicic, although both stand at roughly 7 feet. To be able to shoot the 3-pointer at that height is a tremendous advantage in any league, and that is why many are predicting success in the NBA for Cabarkapa. NEGATIVES: Cabarkapa is a horrific rebounder who would be berated by an American coach for his soft play in the paint. That is partially because of his thin frame. Unlike many of his European counterparts in the draft, Cabarkapa already is 22 years old, meaning he is close to being a finished product. Given the fact that his body is still frail, there has to be cause for concern that Cabarkapa will physically never be NBA-tough. PROJECTION: Mid First Round