Young Dirk?
Joining Jeremy Lamb and Patric Young, Jonas Valanciunas and Davis Bertans were not the only NBA prospects on the radar of scouts in Latvia at the U-19 Tournament over the last two weeks. Dario Saric is a name scouts came home raving about as the 6'9"-6'10" Croatian was impressive all-around- averaging 18.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and shooting 53.8 percent from behind the 3-point arc. He can score from both inside and out knocking down long-range and mid-range jumpers spotting up or pulling up or taking the ball hard to rim and getting to the foul line. Defensively, he also showed his versatility, averaging better than a steal and a block per game.
He won't be eligible until the 2013 Draft, but when he does put his name in the field, expect to see him as a top-five or a top-ten pick. Team USA's coach, Paul Hewitt, likened him to a "young Dirk" and Saric does really have that skill set and potential.
ByPresident Corey Ruff - 7-14-11
