SPORTS
WWW.KANSAN.COM
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2005
PAGE 19
Simien a likely choice for first round draft
BY KELIS ROBINETT krobinett@kansan.com kansAN SENIOR SPORTSWRIETER
Wayne Simien is the only former Jayhawk who is sure to be drafted in next week's NBA Draft.
to be trained in next week's NBA Draft. Nearly every Internet mock draft has him going in the mid to late first round, with NBAdraft.net and Collegehoops.net projecting Miami to take him as the 29th pick.
Kansas coach Bill Self said Simien had worked out for 20 of the 29 NBA teams and expected to see him go between the 14th and 25th pick in the first round.
between the 14th and 20th pick in the first round "He's going to be a steal for whoever takes him," Self said. "He's had very good workouts and been given very favorable reports, but there are just so many draftable guys in the draft that it's hard to tell where he could go."
Self added that the reason Simien probably won't be a top pick is because of durability issues springing from all of his college injuries. Still, Simien is in a much better position than his fellow teammates, Aaron Miles and Keith Langford, who aren't projected to be picked at all.
Kansas coach Bill Self has talked to several NBA teams, though, and said he thinks all three of his former seniors have a chance to be drafted.
"I'm hopeful that one gets called in the first round and the other two get called in the second." Self said.
Both Miles and Langford have worked out for a handful of NBA squads, and Self said he had heard positive feedback.
"I think Aaron has really helped himself out," he said. "I've got more feedback on him than anybody. I've also heard good things about Keith, just not to the same magnitude."
The NBA hopes of Miles and Langford don't rest solely on the draft, however. Sometimes going not getting picked can benefit a player, as second round draft picks aren't guaranteed to receive professional contracts. Free agents can choose which teams need their talents the most and try out for them, instead of being tied down to just one team. This could help Miles if a team needs a solid ball handler, or Langford if a team needs a slasher.
Self told both Langford and Miles to be ready for either scenario.
"I don't think there's an exact formula for getting to the league," Self said. "Some people say it's best to be drafted, but others claim you're better off as a free agent."
The other recently-graduated Jayhawk, Mike Lee, may also play professionally next year for the Harlem Globetrotters.
He has been offered a position on the roster, but Self said Lee wouldn't make up his mind on what to do for another month or two.
Former Kansas forward Wayne Simien looks to pass during the first half of the contest against Colorado Feb. 12. Simien recorded a double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds.
- Edited by Erin M. Droste