Top International Draft Prospects

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jun 22, 2007

Top International Draft Prospects

Yi Jianlian, China

While he is still very thin, Yi is an excellent athlete who has nice-looking form on his jump shot, with range out to 20 feet. He had a 13-point, seven-rebound performance in China's loss to the United States at the World Championships last August. He is projected to be the only lottery pick among the international prospects.

Tiago Splitter, Brazil

The Brazilian big man is not flashy or explosive, but he is a fine athlete and dependable rebounder and defender who can score enough to keep defenses honest. Splitter has been a key role player the past three seasons with Spanish League powerhouse Tau Ceramica, which also features 2002 Spurs draft pick Luis Scola.

Rudy Fernandez, Spain

The shooting guard is well-seasoned thanks to his experience with Spain's world-champion national team and prominent role with DKV Joventut in the Spanish League. Fernandez is an aggressive slasher who has improved his perimeter shooting. The one concern has always been whether his slender body can support his fearless style of play.

Marco Belinelli, Italy

A pure shooting guard, Belinelli is a very good athlete who has excellent quickness and an even quicker release on his perimeter jumper. The 21-year-old has already ascended to leadership positions on both his Italian League team (Climamio Bologna) and Italy's national team.

Petteri Koponen, Finland

The 19-year-old impressed scouts at the Nike Hoop Summit in April when he played well against some top U.S. prep stars. Koponen has shown an ability to create good shots for teammates while also limiting his turnovers. His lateral quickness is said to be a weakness.

Marc Gasol, Spain

The younger brother of the Grizzlies' Pau Gasol has made himself into a draft pick with his dramatic development over the last year. Marc Gasol has an outside chance to be selected in the first round, which puts him in the same company as another international 7-footer, Kyrylo Fesenko, a promising offensive center from the Ukraine.

Ali Traore, France

Traore improved his standing with his standout play at the NBA predraft camp in Orlando in May. He could be very attractive to an NBA team because he is still developing and could remain in France for another season or two to expand his game, which features a reliable lefty hook shot.

Renaldas Seibutis, Lithuania

Seibutis, on loan to the Greek League's Maroussi from Greek powerhouse Olympiacos this season, quietly posted good scoring numbers and shot the ball well from long range. The guard originally put his name in the draft last season but withdrew.

Zoran Erceg, Crotia

A force in the Serbian League, the dependable face-up shooter will have to build up his body before he can contend with the more physical power forwards and centers in the NBA.

Mirza Begic, Slovenia

Begic's size along makes him intriguing. He moves well for a big man and is viewed as a likely second-round project.

Marko Tomas, Crotia

The Croatian media was comparing him to former NBA sharpshooter Drazen Petrovic two years ago, but his stock has slipped since he pulled out of the 2005 draft and signed with Real Madrid. He's on the bubble of being drafted, and having an exensive buyout in his contract won't help.