MIKE SWEETNEY

Position: PF Class: Early Entry School: Georgetown High School: Oxon Hill (MD) Conference: Big East Ht., Wt.: 6'8, 260 Selected by New York Knicks Round 1, pick 9 (9 overall)

BIO: Sweetney is an early entry out of Georgetown, where he averaged 22.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.2 blocks last year to lead the Hoyas in all three categories. Sweetney was an All-Big East first team selection each of the last two seasons. Sweetney collected 31 points and 19 rebounds in the second of three losses to national champion Syracuse. Sweetney ranks seventh on Georgetown's all-time scoring list with 1,750 points. Although he is set to continue the tradition of Hoya big men, the 6-8 Sweetney is closer in size to Othella Harrington than Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning or Dikembe Mutombo. He has drawn comparisons to Elton Brand of the Los Angeles Clippers. Sweetney is also a 73 percent foul shooter and averaged nearly 10 free-throw attempts a game a year ago. ANALYSIS: Sweetney is a hard worker who hustles and isn't afraid to mix it up inside. He's mobile, has good hands and knows how to score. But he's not a great athlete, and he could be a bit undersized for the power-forward position. Figures to be a solid contributor in the NBA. Averaged a double-double and was an honorable mention All-America. Does not have an agent. POSITIVES: There is no player in this draft with as much footwork and back-to-the-basket scoring ability as Sweetney, who also is a good foul shooter. He might be the most polished, NBA-ready prospect. Sweetney will likely be an immediate starter and can be counted on for 14 points and eight boards on a nightly basis. NEGATIVES: Sweetney lacks classic power forward size, as he is an inch or two shorter than most of his counterparts. The good news is Sweetney's oversized wingspan helps to make up for that size deficiency. His lack of athleticism, poor body tone, and 6-8 height, however, has many general managers unimpressed with Sweetney's upside. There is little doubt he will be a good player in the NBA, but does he really have the makings of a star? PROJECTION: Mid First Round 2002 - 2003 Season Stats Photo: Brian Bahr/Getty Images