He crafted a name for himself during the college season, triggering an avalanche of praise. And it matters little right now. Jared Dudley is another name; another face. Worse, he’s a player without a firm position.
Which means he has to find another way to impress those who hold his future in their hands. So the ACC Player of the Year participated in the Orlando Pre-Draft Camp, something the top 15-20 players avoided. He also happened to excel there.
He took part in Washington’s private workout Monday, along with Virginia State’s Avis Wyatt, North Carolina’s Reshawn Terry and Villanova’s Curtis Sumpter.
“I definitely have to sell myself,” he said. “That’s what I’m trying to do. I’m not trying to hide; I’m going against anybody and it doesn’t matter where it’s at.”
Dudley averaged 19 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, leading Boston College to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where the Eagles lost to Georgetown. According to the draft boards, Dudley’s main problem is a lack of position. His size (6-foot-7) suggests small forward; his lack of explosiveness suggests power forward. His savviness demands a spot on a roster. But it’s all why his agent told him he could be drafted anywhere between the 20th and 45th picks.
Though he’s an accomplished shooter, he knows he must extend his range even more.
“I have to show I can shoot the NBA three [pointer],” he said. “[But] I feel I’m one of the best shooters in the draft. … LeBron [James] plays one, two and three; [Tim] Duncan is a four and a five. I’ll show them what I can do and let them put me where they want.”
He likened himself to a current Wizard.
“I’m similar to Antawn Jamison,” he said. “I thrive on making superstars better.”
