June 1, 2001

By Steve Addy
Las Vegas Sun

LAS VEGAS - The rush of 75 early entry candidates might have pushed UNLV center Kaspars Kambala deep into the second round of the NBA draft.

And a few scouts aren't sure he will be chosen at all June 27 in New York.

But even if the 6-foot-9, 250-pounder from Latvia isn't picked, it doesn't mean Kambala doesn't belong in the league, according to NBA scouting director Marty Blake.

Blake, known for candid assessments of draft prospects, said Kambala has enough assets to merit a look from any team seeking a backup frontcourt player.

"I've always liked the kid," Blake said from his Atlanta office. "I haven't the vaguest idea if he'll be drafted, but I think he'll get a chance. He needs a team to get him into camp and see what he's got.

"He's a big, strong kid. He has a lot of shots that people don't realize. The only unstoppable shot in basketball is the hook shot, but nobody wants to use it. He can use it.

"He needs to work on his quickness, but he's tough and he's not afraid to guard centers. I'm not saying he's going to defend Shaq, but he's not afraid. He's a combatant. I'd love to have him."

In 113 games at UNLV since 1997, Kambala averaged 15 points and 8.2 rebounds. He led the team in scoring the last two seasons (18.5 in 1999-00, 16.9 last season) when he was a first-team all-Mountain West selection.

But Kambala's senior season was inconsistent. His scoring ranged from a career-high 37 points against Louisville on Nov. 21 to a career-low two at BYU on Jan. 15.

Accordingly, Kambala's draft stock has fallen. He had been projected as a late first-round pick, but now isn't listed on most mock drafts. Sportsline.com ranked its top 15 prospects at power forward and center, but Kambala isn't on either list.

May 3-5 in Tempe, Ariz., Kambala had a mixed performance in the Desert Classic, one of three NBA predraft showcases. He averaged 6.3 rebounds in three games, but made only 4-of-18 shots.

"He played harder than when I saw him in Las Vegas, but he struggled to finish his shot," a scout from an Eastern Conference team said. "The talent level was higher than he's used to. He rebounded pretty well, but he's not an explosive player.

"I don't think he's going to be drafted, which might be better for him. Then he can pick and choose which (training) camp to go to. But I think he's an overseas player."

A Western Conference scout at the Tempe camp said, "I don't think anyone saw anything they didn't already know. Someone might take him in the second round, but maybe not.

"He's physically mature, but he also might have topped out skill-wise."

The unprecedented number of early entry candidates hasn't helped Kambala's draft stature. Six high school players have made themselves eligible, and all of them are centers. A number of foreign big men also have declared for the draft.

It's unknown if Kambala has hired an agent or is scheduled to visit teams for individual workouts and interviews. Phone calls seeking comment weren't returned.

Even if Kambala doesn't catch on in the NBA this season, Blake said, "He's going to have opportunities to make some money in Europe. He'll get quite a few nibbles. Maybe he could come back in a couple of years."

Kambala has already drawn interest from Maccabi Tel Aviv, champion of the Israeli League.