Tracking the Preaux Career of UL's Dwayne Mitchell

[NewsCopy]

Only a few months ago, the terms Dwayne Mitchell and the NBA Draft weren't used in the same sentence. Now, there's a chance that Mitchell's name could resonate from the podium tonight. "I've talked to a lot of teams ... the Spurs, Charlotte, recently the Knicks and the Rockets about a week ago," said University of Louisiana basketball coach Robert Lee. "From the people I talked to, I think he has a chance from the middle to the latter part of the second round." The NBA holds its annual draft of amateur talent tonight, and the New Orleans native and former Ragin' Cajun standout has put himself into the draft picture with a series of strong workouts and camps since completing his senior season at UL. The 6-foot-5 guard has worked out for at least six NBA clubs since late May - New Jersey, Cleveland, Washington, Houston, Detroit and Chicago. He also took part in both of the NBA's pre-draft camps at Portsmouth, Va., and Orlando, Fla. In Orlando, Mitchell dazzled the scouts in their testing of physical skills. His no-step vertical jump of 37 1/2 inches was two inches higher than anyone else in the 81-player combine, his maximum vertical leap (41 1/2 inches) was second in the group and his full-court sprint time (3.16 seconds) was eighth. The rest of the story Dan McDonald dmcdonald@theadvertiser.com

[NewsCopy]

He’s listed as a “second-round bubble” pick, but it won’t surprise a lot of NBA insiders if Dwayne Mitchell’s name gets called late in the second round of Wednesday night’s NBA Draft. The former Ragin’ Cajun basketball standout’s stock has steadily risen in the eyes of several NBA clubs since he finished his senior UL season in March. "Terrific. An NBA type of body, and shot it well,” said New Jersey Nets general manager Ed Stefanski after Mitchell worked out for the club. “He is a high-energy type of guy that I could definitely see getting drafted in the second round for someone to take a shot on.” Mitchell, who led the Cajuns in virtually every category during his senior season last winter, has worked out for at least six different NBA clubs since late May — Cleveland, Washington, Houston, Detroit and Chicago in addition to the Nets. More importantly for him, he turned heads at the Pre-Draft Camp Combine in Orlando with his performance in the physical testing. Mitchell had by far the best no-step vertical jump (37 1/2 inches) of any of the 81 players at the combine, with the next-highest mark 35 inches by three players including highly-regarded Ronnie Brewer of Arkansas. The rest of the story Dan McDonald dmcdonald@theadvertiser.com

[NCAA or BUST]

Bulls early second round

[ulforlife]

Bulls early second round

i think from all the stats and reviews i have seen, he is being underrated by saying that he will go #56 toronto (nbadraft.net) i agree and hope to see him out earlier

[CajunCherokee]

Well, Dwayne didn't get drafted. However, it's not the end of the road. He has a great chance to work his way into the NBA and I believe he will make an impact sooner or later...

[Turbine]

What a shame.

In my opinion his poor free throw percentage killed his chances.

It's ironic (and it's jmo ) but I think his weight room abilities got him noticed but at the same time, full time weightlifting kills free throw ability.

Give Free agency your best shot Dwayne. UL fans Love you.

[J-Town Cajun]

I totally agree that his free throw shooting is what kept him from being drafted. His type of offensive game requires him to shoot free throws. His athletic ability and defense will get him a good look.

[Turbine]

In my opinion Dwayne's love affair with the weight room killed his free throw percentage.

My message to basketball players is stay out of the upper body portion of the weight room during the season.

[Turbine]

I hope one of the 6 clubs that showed an interest in Dwayne sign him to a free agent contract. Either Cleveland, Washington, Houston, Detroit, Chicago or the Nets.

I particularly like what the Nets had to say about him

"Terrific. An NBA type of body, and shot it well,” said New Jersey Nets general manager Ed Stefanski after Mitchell worked out for the club.

“He is a high-energy type of guy that I could definitely see getting drafted in the second round for someone to take a shot on.”

[NewsCopy]

Former University of Louisiana basketball standout Dwayne Mitchell, passed over in Wednesday's NBA draft, could wind up signing as a free agent with any of four teams, according to agent Darren White. White told UL head coach Robert Lee on Thursday that he had spoken to the Washington Wizards, the Los Angeles Clippers, the San Antonio Spurs and Atlanta Hawks between the draft's end at 11 p.m. Wednesday and noon Thursday. "He said a number of teams had inquired about Dwayne coming to play summer league with them," Lee said. "They're looking at which team will give him the best chance of playing a lot and making the squad." The 30 NBA clubs all have summer developmental teams, playing in leagues either in Las Vegas, Orlando, Salt Lake City or Long Beach, Calif. The earliest start among those leagues is July 6. The rest of the story Dan McDonald dmcdonald@theadvertiser.com