http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1087023407181890.xml Hornets thinking young? Bristow says team might take high school player with first pick Saturday, June 12, 2004 By Benjamin Hochman Staff writer CHICAGO -- Perhaps a good way to describe Allan Bristow's quandary is to compare him to the teenager that wants a video game system for his or her birthday. The kid's parents happily say the gift is on the way. But, will it be a PlayStation II or an Atari? Bristow, the Hornets' assistant general manager, knows what he wants in the upcoming NBA draft: "We feel like we need a wing or a shooter, somebody who can play the perimeter," he said. "All things being equal, we'd like to get one of those." But, with the 18th pick, will they be able to select a guy that can make an instant impact, or will sheer numbers force them to take one of the litany of talented high schoolers who probably won't perform at his best for at least a couple of years? Furthermore, can the Hornets, pressing to advance in the playoffs for the first time in three years, while also playing in the mighty Western Conference, afford to gamble on a project? "We'd like to have a player that can help us next year, but that's something that we're constantly discussing," said Bristow, who is attending the NBA Pre-Draft Camp. "And there are high school guys in our mix -- I would say there's a 30-percent chance that we're going to draft a high school guy -- that's the way it works out. We ask that question every day -- can this player help us next year? Can they learn and still help us at the same time." Numerous mock drafts have New Orleans selecting a high schooler -- notably 6-foot-6 shooting guard J.R. Smith out of New Jersey. This year, with a record 13 high schoolers entering the draft (they can pull out by Thursday), the raw talent is plentiful. But, New Orleans' brass -- and fans -- are quick to point out the last time the team gambled on a high schooler. Where have you gone, James Lang? "You can't help but think of the last high school player you drafted," Bristow said. "But every player is different. I think you have to look at it that way. If you get burned on one type of player, you shouldn't always say you're not going to go that direction." Bristow also mentioned the team's desire for backups at center and point guard, something they might be able to take care of with their second-round pick (45th overall). Bristow said "we can assume" that the team's second-rounder is in attendance at the Pre-Draft Camp, as was Lang a year ago. So the Hornets' officials in attendance, who also include three scouts and three assistant coaches (Bob Bass is not in Chicago), have been watching every jumper and every block out, trying to decipher who in this field could feasibly help the club. Bristow mentioned numerous players who have caught his eye with their success this week. Many, naturally, have been putting up big numbers. Guard Andre Emmett of Texas Tech has scoring performances of 12, 20 and 20 points. Jackson Vroman, a big man from Iowa State, scored 17 points twice. And Oklahoma State guard Tony Allen had a couple of nice games, including one with eight rebounds. But, Bristow said, there hasn't been a player here who's stock has skyrocketed, and for that matter, plummeted, because of his performance. "I don't think there's been a big shock," he said. BASS IN LIMBO: LSU sophomore-to-be Brandon Bass still is undecided about returning to the Tigers next year following an up-and-down week in Chicago. In the first of three games, Bass went 2-for-8 for six points, zero assists and four turnovers. In Game 2, he was 3-for-8, but free throws helped him score 11. But, in the final performance, he played his best, scoring a team-high 14 points along with eight rebounds and no turnovers. "With a bunch of people watching me, I just need to be more relaxed," said Bass, who was officially measured as 6-6 ¼ without shoes, 6-7 ¼ with shoes and at 246 pounds. "Yesterday, I think I was thinking too much instead of just playing. Today, I played better." "I think this experience has helped Brandon," Bristow said. "You can tell he's matured physically, he's lost some weight and he's run the floor well. My recommendation to any guy would be to stay in school, and hopefully he does stay in school. He's only going to get better. . . . He, more than any player I've seen, this camp has helped him the most. Not necessarily helping him move up in the draft, but in regards to playing experience. I saw his confidence rise. I think he's going to be a much better collegiate player going back." Bass will work out for three more NBA teams next week before making his decision. LOCAL LINE: Chris Duhon, who played at Duke and Salmen High School, had a sub-par camp, going 5-for-18 from the field in three games, averaging 4.7 points with five total assists and 10 turnovers. Former LSU forward Jaime Lloreda had outputs of two and five points in his first two games, but bounced back to score 10 in his final outing Friday night. He made only one turnover in the three games. Both players averaged 20 minutes per game. . . . . . . . Benjamin Hochman can be reached at [email protected] or (504) 826-3405. --

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