OSU's Dallas Lauderdale getting a chance to impress NBA scouts at Virginia camp: Cavaliers Insider
Published: Wednesday, April 06, 2011
By Mary Schmitt Boyer, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer
AP file photo
Dallas Lauderdale's physical gifts and defensive potential at the next level earned him an invitation to this week's Portsmouth Invitational camp in Virginia.
TORONTO -- Jim Chones had a little advice for his nephew Dallas Lauderdale, the former Solon star who was a surprise addition to the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament for potential NBA draft choices that started on Wednesday in Portsmouth, Va.
"The only advice I gave him was to go out there and do all the things most bigs don't want to do unless they're averaging 25 a game," said Chones, the former Cav star who is now a team broadcaster. "Every team is looking for players like him, who will sacrifice their body, who have exceptional athleticism.
"Combined with his athleticism, he has exceptional strength. He's long. He's short-waisted with long arms. His arms are 7-5. He's exceptional. He's got the right attitude. He's humble and willing to learn. It's a great opportunity. If he does well, it's great. If he doesn't, there are other opportunities for him."
Lauderdale, represented by Cleveland-based agent Mark Termini, is 6-9, 265 with a 36-inch vertical jump. The Ohio State product played in the shadow of freshman phenomenon Jared Sullinger this year, and Greg Oden before that. But NBA teams seem intrigued by his skills and that 7-5 wingspan.
"A lot of people are curious about him," said Chones, admittedly not the most unbiased opinion. "What they've seen is flashes of his super athleticism. He definitely is way above average as far as big men being able to jump as quick and as high. He's physically strong enough. He didn't play a lot. That's still a mystery to me. That's the past. Now he has a chance to show what he can do.
"If he goes out there and does what he's been doing -- just do it in volume -- block shots, rebound, run the floor and dunk on people."
Chones said his nephew is stronger than he was, though they share the same athleticism and jumping ability. But because Lauderdale didn't play a lot of minutes or put up big numbers at Ohio State, he is somewhat under the radar.
"When you're bringing in super players every year at his spot, who are only going to stay a year, there's an instability in your development," Chones said. "Those guys took priority. He weathered the storm. He didn't cry about it. He didn't pout. He just took what was given and made most of it. Coaches in our league are looking for that kind of kid."
