[MavsFanFinley]

Will the Mavs ever take a chance on a big man that they can stash and watch a year or two? Only one other center in the 2nd round that DubOverdose didn't list that could be interesting.

Peter John Ramos
(Projected #34--nbadraft.net)
Birthdate: 5/13/85
NBA Position: Center
Ht: 7-4
Wt: 260
Int Team: Criollos de Caguas
Hometown: Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Strengths: Ramos has become a true prospect. His improvement from 2003 to 2004 has simply been amazing. Has a nice post up game showing a decent arsenal that includes a jump hook and a step away shot. He can also hit the outside shots and more importantly, Ramos looks to be more comfortable both on and off the court. He's showing leadership skills with his Pro Team (Criollos de Caguas) in the Puerto Rican Summer League. (considered the best league in Latin America) Ramos is also a good passer and is able to find the open man when receiving a double team. Considering that he is only 18, his body is filling out and he will eventually add at least 25 more pounds. Ramos is an athletic center for his height and is able to run up and down the court without any problem. Stamina is excellent. Has very good potential.

Weaknesses: Due to his age and lack of experience, Ramos is still a project that will require patience. The team that drafts Ramos should not expect contribution right away, it will take at least a year to adapt to the NBA style, especially on the defensive end. He still has question marks about his mental makeup and whether he has the discipline to adapt to the NBA. There are some question marks whether he has giantism like Pavel, as he has the same facial features. (But nothing has been documented, so this is purely a rumor.) Defensively needs to work on his positioning. Needs to become a better rebounder, although he has improved in that area. He is now blocking shots just because of his height, but must improve on his timing and maintaining his arms in a defensive position. Not a huge leaper, but has size. At times seems to take breaks during the game, and this is definitely the area he has to work most on. It's a matter of time before he becomes a good free throw shooter. His free throw percentage, which at this point is at 55%, but should improve as he continues to mature.

Notes: Ramos is averaging 20.4 pts, 9.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and a league leading 2.3 blocks. He has faced some tough competition against players such as Richard Lugo, Lee Benson, Anthony Bonner, Junior Burrough Kitwana Rhymer and the legendary Jose Ortiz. Played in NYC until the age of 16 and was a top 20 player in his class, but didn't grow into his body and gain the agility he has now until he was 17-18.

-Herminio Nieves -- 4/24/04

(Here's a couple guys with some height and some skills, but will that translate into the 5 spot in the NBA? Too many of the pf's either have a poor work ethic, no athleticism, or appear to be more suited for the 3/4 instead of 4/5. Worst case scenerio the Mavs take a gamble and lose, but we are talking a 2nd round pick.)

Uros Slokar
(projected #32)
Birthdate: 5/14/83
NBA Position: Power Forward
Ht: 6-10
Wt: 230
European Team: Benetton Treviso
Hometown: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Euroleague Profile

He rebounds well, using his long hands to snatch boards, a good shot blocker, some nice post moves, very agile down there. He sinks 20 ft jumpers, can hit a occasional 3, a little skiny for PF but is as fearless as Gasol so you wont see him being pushed around a lot. Fought through a few injuries that kept him out for 2 years and appears to have fully recovered.

-Uros Velkavrh

Anderson Varejão
(projected #36)
Birthdate: 9/28/82
NBA Position: SF/PF
Ht: 6-10
Wt: 230
Int Team: FC Barcelona
Hometown: Vitoria, Espirito Santo Brazil
Euroleague Profile

NBA Comparison: Drew Gooden

Strengths: A very active bigman, good athlete with excellent size, agility. Improved dramatically in the past few years. His jump shot has really developed lately. Very creative offensive player, with soft touch. Solid shot blocker, rebounder. Lets the game come to him, and takes instruction well. Very charismatic personality, similar (surfer) attitude to Brazilian tennis star Gustavo Kuerten, very laid back, but not to the point where he isn't motivated. Has the versatility to play the small forward position at 6-10.

Weakness: Still learning the game and has moments of inconsistency. Still seems to be "growing into his body" and figuring out his abilities.

Notes: First team was Saldanha Da Gama