A Repute In Dispute

Danny Vranes (F, 6'7", 212, Utah) The big question is his size; he doesn't have the quickness of a small forward or the strength—he's not especially physical—of a power forward. He is, however, a good leaper, he has a deceptively quick first step, and he's considered a "coach's kid"—a player who isn't overly gifted but who will work hard and follow instructions.

Albert King (F, 6'6", 190, Maryland) The possessor of extraordinary natural skills. A fabulous outside shooter, with decent speed and great spring. His defense is suspect, and at times he forces bad shots. What's more, his offensive game is "robotized": two, maybe three, dribbles and then a shot. Though he can pass, he rarely drives and creates scoring opportunities. Last year he seemed to disappear at crucial moments in big games. Was that because he didn't want the ball, or because Driesell's troops couldn't get it to him?

Kelly Tripucka (F, 6'6", 210, Notre Dame) Before Kansas City's Ernie Grunfeld played superbly in the NBA playoffs, Tripucka's stock was so-so; scouts considered him a Grunfeld clone: a tough, schoolyard player who could be a ninth man and not cause headaches. Grunfeld's performances made scouts think more highly of Tripucka. And now, with an emphasis in the league shifting toward going "with the biggest lineup possible," Tripucka may see a lot of playing time next season.

Darnell Valentine (G, 6'1", 180, Kansas) Great body, but can't shoot a lick. Plays solid defense, knows how to run a team, but too often lapses into a runaway style, meaning that he'll penetrate the middle, leave his feet and, like Washington's Kevin Porter, will throw the ball away. But if he can be controlled, he can play.

Ray Tolbert (F, 6'9", 218, Indiana) Great court awareness. Because he played under Bobby Knight, he's perceived to be better than perhaps he really is. Because of Knight's disciplined style of play, the extent of Tolbert's offensive game is uncertain. He can run and jump, but he's slender and will really get banged around. Still, he's not a pussycat and he can play team defense, which in itself should ensure him a spot somewhere.

Howard Wood (F, 6'7", 230, Tennessee) A sleeper. Has a reputation for physical play, and deserves it. He really mixes it up inside. His shooting range is only 15 feet, and his defense is questionable. Could be a nice seventh or eighth man, and if he wants it bad enough, he might be another Reggie King.

Gene Banks (F, 6'7", 210, Duke) Had the draft been held two years ago, Banks might have been everyone's No. 1 choice. But he has improved little since his sophomore season. He has a great pro body and multiple skills. His biggest liabilities are a questionable outside shot and an enigmatic inside game. Because of his size, he should be able to get the ball low, turn and power it to the basket. Instead, he likes to do a lot of dipsy doo, double-pump nonsense, which, in the pro game, will result in the ball being slapped down his throat. Also, Banks is afflicted with Larry Kenonitis, meaning that when he gets a rebound, he'll race upcourt only to throw the ball away while trying to be fancy.

Jeff Lamp (G-F, 6'5", 200, Virginia) Everyone is worried about his speed. Forget it. Like Boston's Larry Bird, Lamp's a player whose strength lies in the fact that he's smart, fundamentally sound and knows better than most how to play a team game. He'll be a swingman because he's big, strong and has good range on his jumper. If he were a couple of inches taller he could be compared to K.C.'s Scott Wedman.