So far there are 3 Aussies that have put their names up for the 2005 NBA Draft. The likely no.1 pick Andrew Bogut, a fair chance as a late 2nd round pick in Luke Schenscher and the third Steven Markovic is one that could go anywhere from sneaking into the 2nd round to being a high 2nd round choice owing to the nature of the draft.
Knicks May 19 Pre-Draft Workouts
Schenscher, Bynum Visit Knicks
by Tom Kertes
GREENBURGH, NY, May 19, 2005 -- Andrew Bogut and Luke Schenscher have much in common, mates. They both hail from Australia. Theyre both legitimate seven-footers with unique games. Growing up in a non-hoops-first country, theyve both come to basketball relatively late in life. Yet Bogut is projected as the likely No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft -- while Schenscher may be the drafts No. 1 sleeper. The reason behind Big Lukes superior snoozer status is another characteristic he has in common with Bogut (who is said to be the best-passing big man the game has seen since Bill Walton). I know how to create for others in the paint, Schenscher says while relaxing after his Knicks workout at the teams Madison Square Garden Training Center on Thursday. I understand the nuances of winning basketball. I have a good feeling for making the right pass.
Not something you see from too many big men these days. But Schenscher, who played Australian Rules football while growing up and did not pick up a basketball until age 14, came to his skills the hard way. Not only is Luke a great kid with a real engaging personality, says Georgia Tech Assistant Coach Pete Zaharis. But his work ethic is second to none. Hes gained 40-50 pounds of muscle over the last four years and experts say hell gain more. And standing a serious 7-foot-plus, he is a legitimate post-man with great footwork and a wide variety of skills. That makes him a real rarity -- and that should give him a great chance to make it in the NBA.
Schenschers learning curve has indeed been nothing short of stunning. During the 2004 Final Four match-up against Oklahoma State the TV announcers kept on tagging the Big Guy as a weakness in the Tech lineup State should exploit. Schenscher responded by thoroughly dominating -- then followed up with another delicious double double in the Finals against No. 1 NBA draft-choice (and current NBA Rookie of the Year) Emeka Okafor. All of a sudden, it all just came together for me, smiles Schenscher. And at the right time, too.
Of course, Schenscher would have never gotten his chance to explode into the Final Four spotlight if it wasnt for sixth man Will Bynums THREE game-winning shots -- with nary any time on the clock, no less -- throughout the tourney. Kids got ice in his veins, Zaharis says of Bynum.
Georgia Tech guard Will Bynum.
MSG Photos
You watch Bynum -- and you see Vinnie Johnson, the magical Microwave who would come off the bench and heat up in no time for Knicks President, Basketball Operations Isiah Thomas two-time NBA champion Pistons. Youre the third person who called me another Vinnie just this week, smiles Bynum. And I think thats cool.
Indeed, the 6-foot Bynum has all the stocky aggressiveness, ice-cool court demeanor, and never-ending variety of shots Johnson used to flash. Hes fearless, says Zaharis. And he can create a good shot for himself a zillion different ways. But you know what is the best thing about Will? He knew that at his size he had to be a great defensive player as well in order to make it to the NBA. So he spent his entire senior season becoming just that.
Actually, Isiah was always my favorite player, the person Ive patterned myself after, says Bynum. I come from the same tough area and, as a kid, Ive gone through many of the things he talks about. Thats why I had some butterflies at the beginning of the workout. Playing in front of Isiah and Mark Aguirre I mean, growing up, those are the two guys I really looked up to.
Techs trip to the Finals did wonders for both players. I know how to better deal with pressure situations, says Bynum. In fact, I no longer feel pressure. Hey, this is basketball. Pressure is when you have three kids and no job.
Schenschers sister has a job -- as a nanny, in New York City. Thats just one of the reasons Id love to play for the Knicks, he smiles. Playing in New York, it would be huge. You tell people in Australia youre playing at Madison Square Garden and they get all excited, they know all about the place. And, mind you, these are people who have never been to a basketball game in their lives.
Knicks May 19 Pre-Draft Workouts
Schenscher, Bynum Visit Knicks
by Tom Kertes
GREENBURGH, NY, May 19, 2005 -- Andrew Bogut and Luke Schenscher have much in common, mates. They both hail from Australia. Theyre both legitimate seven-footers with unique games. Growing up in a non-hoops-first country, theyve both come to basketball relatively late in life. Yet Bogut is projected as the likely No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft -- while Schenscher may be the drafts No. 1 sleeper. The reason behind Big Lukes superior snoozer status is another characteristic he has in common with Bogut (who is said to be the best-passing big man the game has seen since Bill Walton). I know how to create for others in the paint, Schenscher says while relaxing after his Knicks workout at the teams Madison Square Garden Training Center on Thursday. I understand the nuances of winning basketball. I have a good feeling for making the right pass.
Not something you see from too many big men these days. But Schenscher, who played Australian Rules football while growing up and did not pick up a basketball until age 14, came to his skills the hard way. Not only is Luke a great kid with a real engaging personality, says Georgia Tech Assistant Coach Pete Zaharis. But his work ethic is second to none. Hes gained 40-50 pounds of muscle over the last four years and experts say hell gain more. And standing a serious 7-foot-plus, he is a legitimate post-man with great footwork and a wide variety of skills. That makes him a real rarity -- and that should give him a great chance to make it in the NBA.
Schenschers learning curve has indeed been nothing short of stunning. During the 2004 Final Four match-up against Oklahoma State the TV announcers kept on tagging the Big Guy as a weakness in the Tech lineup State should exploit. Schenscher responded by thoroughly dominating -- then followed up with another delicious double double in the Finals against No. 1 NBA draft-choice (and current NBA Rookie of the Year) Emeka Okafor. All of a sudden, it all just came together for me, smiles Schenscher. And at the right time, too.
Of course, Schenscher would have never gotten his chance to explode into the Final Four spotlight if it wasnt for sixth man Will Bynums THREE game-winning shots -- with nary any time on the clock, no less -- throughout the tourney. Kids got ice in his veins, Zaharis says of Bynum.
MSG Photos
You watch Bynum -- and you see Vinnie Johnson, the magical Microwave who would come off the bench and heat up in no time for Knicks President, Basketball Operations Isiah Thomas two-time NBA champion Pistons. Youre the third person who called me another Vinnie just this week, smiles Bynum. And I think thats cool.
Indeed, the 6-foot Bynum has all the stocky aggressiveness, ice-cool court demeanor, and never-ending variety of shots Johnson used to flash. Hes fearless, says Zaharis. And he can create a good shot for himself a zillion different ways. But you know what is the best thing about Will? He knew that at his size he had to be a great defensive player as well in order to make it to the NBA. So he spent his entire senior season becoming just that.
Actually, Isiah was always my favorite player, the person Ive patterned myself after, says Bynum. I come from the same tough area and, as a kid, Ive gone through many of the things he talks about. Thats why I had some butterflies at the beginning of the workout. Playing in front of Isiah and Mark Aguirre I mean, growing up, those are the two guys I really looked up to.
Techs trip to the Finals did wonders for both players. I know how to better deal with pressure situations, says Bynum. In fact, I no longer feel pressure. Hey, this is basketball. Pressure is when you have three kids and no job.
Schenschers sister has a job -- as a nanny, in New York City. Thats just one of the reasons Id love to play for the Knicks, he smiles. Playing in New York, it would be huge. You tell people in Australia youre playing at Madison Square Garden and they get all excited, they know all about the place. And, mind you, these are people who have never been to a basketball game in their lives.
