“I think the dude is all hype.” - Brandon Jennings, on Ricky Rubio.
“I would throw myself in front of a bus for Ricky Rubio. But I would have a hard time having Brandon Jennings on my team. I would send him home.” - Dan Peterson, who broadcast several of Jennings’ games last season.
“This could be one of the worst drafts ever.” - An unnamed NBA executive, to the Daily News.
“I’ll just tell you this is the worst draft in decades. People are going to get excited about guys. But this is a terrible draft. Guys are going to screw up big time.” - An NBA executive to SI.
“I felt like I needed an ice bath after watching his 90-minute workout.” - Hawks assistant Larry Drew after watching Tyler Hansbrough.
“At Seattle’s Rainier Beach High he would wear socks emblazoned with childhood icons (from Barney to Big Bird to SpongeBob) during games and carry his books in a Barbie backpack, just to be different.” From an S.I. blurb about Louisville’s Terrence Williams, quoted by Chad Ford.
“I hate mock drafts. I just think they’re a joke.” - ESPN’s Chad Ford, who makes a living making mock drafts.
“It’s almost pointless to do a mock draft.” - Jonathan Givony of Draft Express grumbling to the New York Times.
“I forget how many. I go blank-headed, I’m traveling so much.” - Louisville’s Earl Clark on how many times he has worked out against James Johnson.
“I have a funny game…the best part of my game is just making mix-matches.” - Earl Clark, in a video interview when asked to describe his game.
“The kid’s a black belt and, at 6′ 8″, 230 [pounds], can do a standing backflip…He can run at the wall, put his foot on it and flip backward. And his hands are lethal.” A scouting report on James Johnson coming out of high school.
“I think I can jump higher than Vince Carter did.” - USC’s Demar DeRozan to reporters.
“If Blake wants to challenge me in a dunk contest, I will take him.” - Demar DeRozan, on Blake Griffin’s dunking ability versus his own.
“…there really isn’t anything in DeRozan’s statistical profile that makes you think ‘NBA star’.” - From John Hollinger’s Player-Rater system, which also says Ty Lawson is the best player in the draft and Austin Daye is top five.
“Three muffins, which later tests confirmed also contained hallucinogenic mushrooms, were found in a 2006 “Battle in Seattle – Gonzaga University” backpack with Heytvelt’s name and jersey number embroidered on the front.” From a report on Josh Heytvelt’s arrest during his sophomore year.
“I’m a much different person now than I was back then,” Josh Heytvelt today.
“Weakness: Scoring Instincts”. From a Draft Express scouting report on Jodie Meeks, who put up 54 points against Tennessee and had other games of 46, 45 points and averaged 24 points per game.
“He is a beast.” - Darby Rich, Oklahoma’s strength and conditioning coach, on Blake Griffin.
“He’d be an All-American tight end if he wanted.” - Bob Stoops, Sooners football coach, on Griffin.
“His hamstrings go on forever.” - Jennifer Sheppard, Griffin’s Pilates instructor when he took the course last fall.
“Their games are practically…(long dramatic pause at random time)…identical.”
NBA correspondent Elie Seckbach comparing Jrue Holiday to Dwayne Wade before Holiday’s freshman year.
“He’s a very sensitive kid. When he first got here, any little thing would send him into a panic. He’s much better now.” James Doran, U Conn’s trainer, on Hasheem Thabeet.
“I have no idea why he came out. I have no thoughts on Eric Devendorf. He’s not someone we even discuss.” One scout’s take on Syracuse G Eric Devendorf, who declared early for the draft.