June 22, 2007

Virginia's Reynolds Says His Game Fits the NBA

Former University of Virginia guard J.R. Reynolds hasn't played a single NBA game, but already he has learned something about NBA life.

Since capping his four-year career with the Cavaliers in the second round of the NCAA tournament, Reynolds has flown all over the country auditioning for NBA teams, first at the pre-draft camp in Orlando and more recently in a series of individual workouts.

Reynolds, who has been projected as a possible second-round pick in Thursday's draft, made his latest stop yesterday at Verizon Center, where he, point guard Aaron Brooks (Oregon), point guard Bobby Brown (Cal State Fullerton) and shooting guard Jarrius Jackson (Texas Tech) worked out for the Wizards.

A classic "combo" player because he is projected to swing between point guard and shooting guard, the 6-foot-3, 188-pound Reynolds is hoping that his shooting touch (he made 221 three-pointers at Virginia, third most in program history) and playmaking skills (he averaged 18.4 points and 3.7 assists as a senior) will translate to the NBA.

"The game is changing," said Reynolds, who estimated that he's worked out for eight teams. "Not as many guys are defined as point guards or shooting guards anymore. Players are interchangeable now and I think the versatility of a combo guard is great in the league. You're seeing a lot of teams going up-tempo and I think I will fit in well with that style of play."

Today, the Wizards are scheduled to work out former Maryland guard D.J. Strawberry, shooting guard Morris Almond (Rice), forward Mohamed Abukar (San Diego State) and forward Caleb Green (Oral Roberts). Almond, who was the third-leading scorer in the nation last season as a senior (26.4 points per game), is projected as a late first-round pick.

Strawberry, who averaged 14.9 points and 3.5 assists as a senior for Maryland last season, is projected as a possible second-round pick.

The Wizards, who hold the 16th and 47th picks in the draft, will conclude workouts next week by hosting forward Thaddeus Young (Georgia Tech) on Monday, and forward Marcus Williams (Arizona) and guard Gabe Pruitt (Southern California) on Tuesday. The 6-8, 220-pound Young, who averaged 14.4 points and 4.9 rebounds as a freshman last season, is projected to be taken in the first round. . . .

Restricted free agent forward Andray Blatche, who can negotiate a new contract after July 1, said he will not play for the Wizards' summer league squad even if he does re-sign with the team. Blatche, who is entering his third NBA season, played in the summer league the last two years. The Wizards open summer league play July 10 in Las Vegas. . . .

All-star forward Caron Butler is scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Sunday's Washington Nationals game at RFK Stadium.

-- Ivan Carter