CHRIS MARCUS

Position: C School: W. Kentucky High School: Olympic (NC) Conference: Sun Belt Ht., Wt.: 7'1, 285

BIO: Marcus has spent the last two years trying to recover from foot surgery after playing his college career at Western Kentucky. Marcus played just four games this past season before deciding to end his career to focus on his rehab efforts. Marcus missed two months and played only 15 games as a junior due to a stress fracture in his left foot, causing him to have surgery last June. Marcus toyed with the idea of declaring after his sophomore season in which he averaged 16.7 points and led the nation with 12.1 rebounds per game. He decided to return to school and played just 15 games as a junior and was outplayed in the NCAA Tournament by Stanford's Curtis Borchardt, who was drafted by the Orlando Magic last season and traded to the Utah Jazz. The 7-1 Marcus did not play organized basketball until 1997 and played just one season in high school. ANALYSIS: Marcus' stock dropped after another injury plagued season during which he barely saw action. When he was healthy, Marcus wasn't to be confused with the game's top centers, but he used his size well. Not particularly quick or athletic, Marcus can score and knows how to rebound. If only he could shake the lingering effects of a stress fracture in his left ankle. Marcus told The Charlotte Observer in mid-May that he may retire. He has not been cleared to exercise again and probably won't work out for NBA teams. POSITIVES: When Marcus was healthy, he was a dominant rebounder in the lane. His 92-inch wingspan gave him the reach to go over the top of players with better rebounding position and he also collected a large amount of shot rejections without leaving the floor. Marcus also has the size that teams covet. At 7-1 and 285 pounds, there is no denying he is intriguing. NEGATIVES: There were reports in the early spring that Marcus would have to retire from basketball because of his ankle injury. Not too many teams want to draft a player they were hearing retirement rumors about while they were still in college. PROJECTION: Late Second Round 2002 - 2003 Season Stats Photo: Elsa/Getty Images