European Draft Prospects

[emeans]

Forget draft "buzz." Forget first-round promises and contract buyout clauses and raw tools. The biggest question a team should ask when evaluating international prospects is "Can they play?" After breaking down tape and seeing a number of these players in person, here's my international Top 20.

1. Fran Vazquez, 7-foot, PF/C, 22, Spain

A very good offensive player who can score inside or hit a jumper, he's more of a power forward than center, especially defensively. His strength and athleticism are average, at best. He seemed to tire down the stretch of his league season but has looked very good in the playoffs. He'll be a good late lottery pick who can contribute offensively.

2. Nemanja Aleksandrov, 6-11, PF/SF, 18, Serbia

Youngster is just a baby when it comes to playing in the NBA, but he has Dirk Nowitzki-like talent. He's still recovering from ACL surgery, but is scheduled to return in December. It's unclear whether he will play the three or the four at the NBA level – physical maturity will be the key to his development. He is a good long-range pick anywhere from seventh to 15th overall.

3. Tiago Splitter, 7-0, PF/C, 20, Brazil

Very experienced for his age, Splitter is playing at Europe's highest level. His defense is still way ahead of his offense. He's a quick jumper and has good timing on the defensive end. Splitter has a good feel and understanding for the game. He's an Antonio Davis-type, willing to do the dirty work for you, even though his post-up game is very limited.

4. Marko Tomas, 6-8, SG/SF, 20, Croatia

A big guard who has grown 3 inches since last season, he has a good feel for the game and is a very mature player for his age. Does a handful of different things with above-average effectiveness and can shoot and drive. He played in the Chicago predraft camp last year with a bad ankle. Tomas is a mid-first-rounder who could have a long NBA career if he doesn't sign with Spain's Real Madrid.

5. Johan Petro, 7-0, C, 19, France

Petro has a tremendous upside because of his NBA body and athleticism. He played well at Reebok Eurocamp last year and had first-round commitments. He's still developing offensive skills but has good footwork. Petro gained valuable experience this season with Pau Orthez but didn't play much in playoffs. He could be a top-10 pick in the draft.

6. Martynas Andriuskevicius, 7-3, C, 19, Lithuania

He has the mobility of a power forward but is not yet physical enough to dominate in the paint. Physical play bothers him but he won't back down. He played sparingly this year for Zalgiris, the Lithuanian club owned by Arvidis Sabonis. His long-term potential is hard to ignore but he's not ready to help an NBA team right now. Andriuskevicius could be another Zydrunas Ilguaskas or he could be a big bust. He's likely to pull out of the draft if he's not in the top 10.

7. Roko Ukic, 6-5, PG, 21, Croatia

He has a lot of international experience for a point guard his age. Long and lanky in the Brent Barry mold, he has good end-to-end quickness and gets into the lane. He has vastly improved what used to be a weak outside shot. A true basketball junkie who speaks English well enough to make an easy transition, he should go in the 20-30 range overall.

8. Axel Hervelle, 6-9, PF, 22, Belgium

A possible sleeper who played quality minutes for Real Madrid this year, Hervelle is a mobile power forward who can shoot the ball well from outside with a quick release. He's an average athlete, at best, who will need help guarding NBA fours. He runs well, plays hard and has a good feel for the game.

9. Marcus de Souza, 6-9, SF/SG, 21, Brazil

He might be the most underrated international player in the draft. De Souza is a long and very athletic wing who surprised in Italy's LegaDue. He can rebound, handle in the open court and make decisions on the break. He's also a deceptive shooter with range out to the NBA 3-point line. A lack of strength is his only major drawback.

10. Ersan Ilyasova, 6-9, PF/SF, 18, Turkey

Another mystery man who has played well in the past for Turkey's national teams. He plays sparingly right now for Ulker. Small forward will be his best position in the NBA. Some say his date of birth is in 1984, not 1987. Ankle injuries could curtail his career. If healthy, he is a top-10 pick.

11. Mickael Gelabale, 6-7, SF, 22, France

Very poised for his age, he is a valuable member of Real Madrid. He is an above-average NBA athlete and has average NBA skill. He'll work out privately for teams in Treviso. Gelabale is a jack of all trades and is an above-average shooter who could help a team win. He would be perfect for a "system" team like San Antonio.

12. Thabo Sefolosha, 6-6, SG/SF, 21, Switzerland

A long, athletic wing player who is a good but not great shooter. He is a small small forward who doesn't have great ball skills. Like Gelebale, he does do a lot of little things well that help a team. Sefolosha is probably a second-round pick, but some team might like him in the late first.

13. Marcin Gortat, 7-0, C, 21, Poland

He is an excellent athlete for a player his size. He has quality strength and jumping ability, winning the dunk contest at last year's Reebok Eurocamp by taking off past the foul line. Gortat is raw offensively but active on both boards because he plays hard. He is shooting over 70 percent this season for Rhein Energy Koln in the German Bundesliga but under 50 percent from the free-throw line.

14. Erazem Lorbek, 6-10, PF, 21, Slovenia

The former Michigan State Spartan had a solid season for Climamio Bologna in Italy. Lorbek is a skilled player with a good feel for the game for someone his size. He is a prototypical European power forward who is very good in a "pick-and-pop" game because of his shot. He has average athletic ability, strength and agility. Could be an Austin Croshere-type.

15. Eduardo Hernandez-Sonseca, 7-1, C, 22, Spain

He can rebound and block shots and plays within his limitations. He has a good frame and good hands. Still a project, some teams like him in the early second round.

16. Kosta Perovic, 7-2, C, 20, Serbia

A young, developing big man who gained plenty of experience this year. Has a huge frame but is a below-average athlete. Passes well but comparisons to Vlade Divac are unfair. His post offense is improving with a jump hook to the middle. Has value in the late first round because of youth and size.

17. Angelo Gigli, 6-10, PF, 22, Italy

Has good agility and shooting touch for a big man, but is an average athlete with below-average NBA strength and does not have an NBA position to defend. He also doesn't rebound well. Gigli's offense is ahead of his defense at this point, but not enough so to put him on an NBA court.

18. Drago Pasalic, 6-10, PF, 21, Croatia

Played well at both the Reebok Eurocamp and Chicago predraft camp last year. He has a good frame but loves to play on the perimeter, featuring a very good shooting touch from outside but no post game. He left his KK Split team midseason to move to the United State and concentrate on the draft. He is a Vladimir Radmanovic-type who will roam the perimeter.

19. Rudy Fernandez, 6-6, SG, 20, Spain

Fernandez is good in the open floor and crafty in the half court. He's athletic but weak and is an average shooter. He had a lot of NBA hype earlier this year but it is dying down. At this point, he's not a first-round pick – No. 19 on my list may be too high.

20. Marko Lekic, 6-11, PF, 20, Serbia

Attended the Reebok Eurocamp last year and was a nice surprise. He has a great body and agility for a player his size. He has good touch and good hands. It would be a shock to most if he goes in the first round, but not to me.

The Hawks may want to look at one of these guys at 31!!