Draft Analysis: Hasheem Thabeet

NEWS 9 Sports Staff

Experts always say you can't teach size, which is one thing Connecticut center Hasheem Thabeet has plenty of.

At 7'3, he has athleticism and fluidity rarely seen from a player of his height. His soccer background in Tanzania has left him with excellent footwork in the paint and quick timing on his shot blocking.

Thabeet is the definition of a hit-or-miss prospect. When his name comes up, some reminisce about his triple doubles in college while others think about him getting lit up for 22 points and 23 rebounds by 6-7 forward DeJuan Blair. If an undersized power forward can put up these types of numbers against Thabeet, scouts wonder how he will fare against the NBA's dominant centers such as Dwight Howard.

The bottom line is Thabeet has the kind of defensive presence that the Grizzlies felt they couldn't pass up.