REECE GAINES

Position: PG School: Louisville High School: Madison West (WI) Conference: C-USA Ht., Wt.: 6'6, 195 Selected by Orlando Magic Round 1, pick 15 (15 overall)

BIO: Gaines, who drawn comparisons to Jim Jackson for his multi-dimensional skills, averaged 17.9 points a year ago for Louisville, which is coached by former NBA coach Rick Pitino. Gaines was a third team All-American selection who shot 39 percent from beyond the arc and averaged 5.0 assists per game. The Wisconsin native was a third team All-American selection and finished his career fourth on the Cardinals' all-time scoring list. Gaines' father, Clyde, played basketball at Wisconsin from 1977-80. ANALYSIS: Asked to move from shooting guard to point guard this season, Gaines made the transition seamlessly. He's a team player who performs with maturity, composure and great court awareness. Gaines can penetrate and shoot with range, but his passing ability makes him all the more effective. He's got excellent size for a point guard if that turns out to be his best position in the pros. Isn't afraid to take clutch shots, and he made his share at Louisville. POSITIVES: Gaines is a big point guard who can play the 2, not a 2 who can be a big point guard. The third team All-American is a natural playmaker who ran Louisville's offense all four years, is an underrated shooter and a big-time leaper. NEGATIVES: He may be able to play the point, but how well? That is the question everybody is asking about Gaines. Teams want a prolific distributor at that position, and that is something Gaines is probably not. PROJECTION: Mid First Round 2002 - 2003 Season Stats Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images