Arizona prospect is hot stuff

While those prospects have become familiar to hoop fans, there is one stellar prospect in their realm still trying to make a name for himself: Arizona forward Jordan Hill.

"Basically, I came on the scene as a late bloomer," said Hill. "I didn't get the attention that the rest of the guys did. It's something that I want and I'm working hard to get. From where I'm at now, I have to keep working hard and get better and better every day."

Hill didn't start playing organized basketball until the ninth grade and didn't play in the 11th grade because of issues with his grades. The 6-foot-10-inch, 235-pounder signed with Arizona late in the recruiting game in 2006 after impressing coach Lute Olson at an AAU tournament. The Atlanta native was viewed as a project entering his freshman season, 2006-07.

But with his toughness, athleticism, and ability to score around the basket and get to the free throw line, Hill began paying dividends for the Wildcats quicker than expected. As a junior last season, he averaged 18.3 points on 65.4 percent shooting from the field, plus 11.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocks for a team that barely got into the NCAA Tournament but advanced to the Sweet 16.

NBA scouts are now drooling over the project-turned-prospect. Hill, 21, has been working out in Chicago with renowned trainer Tim Grover on such things as his mid-range jumper, post moves, footwork, conditioning, and weight training.

"He's very good, very talented," said Celtics president Danny Ainge. "He has a very big upside."

Said Hill, "I'm a real hard worker. When I'm on the court, I handle my business. I have a physical and aggressive game. I've been working on a little bit of everything to make it easier on the next level."

One reason Hill hasn't received much acclaim is that he is stuck in the shadow of the only power forward considered better than him, Griffin. Griffin averaged 22.7 points and a nation-leading 14.4 rebounds as a sophomore last season and was college basketball's Player of the Year. While the Clippers say they are doing their due diligence, it would be a shock if they don't select Griffin with the top pick.

With all due respect to Griffin, Hill wishes he could work out against him to prove that he should get consideration for the top spot, too. With nothing to gain and everything to lose, Griffin has no reason to accept such a challenge.

"That's who I am coming for," said Hill. "I'm trying to get that workout. He's a really good player. I feel I have some advantages on him."

Hill said he has been compared to All-Stars Chris Bosh and Amare Stoudemire but hopes to create his own identity. Considering where he's come from, and with lots of room to grow, it's hard to doubt that Hill will work to become a household NBA name.

"I'm going to give it my all," Hill said. "I hope they like what I'm bringing."

Celtics draftee Erden will keep his distance for now

The Celtics selected the 6-foot-11-inch center with the 60th overall pick of last year's draft. Erden is under contract with Fenerbahce Ulker in the Turkish League through the 2009-10 season and isn't expected to seek a buyout to try to play for the Celtics. Celtics president Danny Ainge said Erden isn't expected to get permission to play for Boston's summer league team in Orlando, either.

Erden averaged 7.9 points and 4.2 rebounds this season in 18.4 minutes per game through 47 contests. The 22-year-old scored a season-high 18 points in 25 minutes against Aliaga March 14. Fenerbahce Ulker is currently in the semifinals of the Turkish League playoffs.

"He looks fine. He's getting better," Ainge said. "We've had our European scout see him play a few times."

Eurobasket.com writer Mustafa Bozkurt, who covers Turkish basketball, said in an e-mail, "He is not ready for the NBA. He should play a few more [years] in Europe and then he should look [at the] NBA."

Ainge was in Chicago last week for the NBA predraft camp, which now excludes five-on-five play and is mostly drill work. He said he met with about 20 players there.

"It's not a valuable evaluation tool," said Ainge. "You get a chance to meet players and talk to them. The value comes in the physicals and talking to the players."

Ainge said the Celtics would attend a draft workout in Minneapolis tomorrow and the Reebok Eurocamp June 5-7 in Treviso, Italy. He wasn't certain whether he'd attend the Eurocamp, which includes 48 players ages 18-21.

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