He wants to avoid the NBA Draft. He knows he can’t. So Danillo Pinnock has a plan: the ex-George Washington player will have the television on, allowing family and friends to watch.
As for him? He’ll sit with his back turned to the TV. Or he’ll stare at the screen — with his eyes shut.
But he knows what will happen at draft’s end.
“Whether it’s good news or bad news, I’ll shed tears,” said the 6-foot-5 shooting guard. “That’s why I want [my family] there. I’ll be happy when it’s all over because right now it’s nerve-wracking. This is definitely a lifetime dream. It’s the only job I’ve ever wanted.”
Pinnock is one of three ex-Colonials eligible for the draft, which wil be held tonight at Madison Square Garden. Unlike former teammates Mike Hall and Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Pinnock declared for the draft after his junior season. It’s a move he said he doesn’t regret, despite not being a sure draft choice.
Pinnock was upbeat after the pre-draft camp in Orlando.
“The way we played at GW was the furthest thing from NBA basketball as you can get,” he said. “We pushed the ball and trapped all over the place and they didn’t see me handle the ball or create. Everyone knew I was athletic and could score, but no one knew I could run a team from the point. They got to see that.
“[But] my defense is what everyone likes and the energy I bring.”
The only local player who is a near lock to be selected is guard/forward James White, who starred at Newport High School in Kensington and then at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va. He played at Florida for one season before transferring to Cincinnati. Scouts are intrigued by the former McDonald’s All-American’s athleticism – he’s a fantastic leaper whose nickname is “Flight 75”.They view him as a potentially strong perimeter defender and at 6-7 he has ideal size for a big shooting guard. But the reason he’s projected as a lower first-round choice at best are his still-developing offensive skills. White worked out with the Lakers Monday.
Hall was listed as a possible steal of the draft by one service, but he’s not expecting much Wednesday.
“Of course, I want to hear my name called, but it’s more for family and friends than anyone else,” said Hall, who has worked out for a half-dozen teams, with Chicago and Denver showing the most interest. “But sometimes it doesn’t work out that way. It’s not that big a deal for me because I know that when the season starts, I’ll be on someone’s roster. That’s my main goal.”
From D.C. to …?
» Maryland’s Nik Caner-Medley and Georgetown’s Brandon Bowman have been mentioned as fringe draft picks. In one mock draft, Bowman was projected in the first round. Both, though, are likely second-round picks at best. Maryland’s Chris McCray also has worked out for NBA teams.
» George Mason’s Lamar Butler and Tony Skinn have worked out for several NBA teams. Neither is expected to be drafted.
» Only 60 players will be selected in the two-round draft, leaving most prospective players having to sign as free agents.
