Speights impressive in Philly, according to Sixers official

GAINESVILLE -- Former Florida center Marreese Speights received praise from Philadelphia 76ers officials after a pre-draft workout on Thursday, according to the South Jersey Courier-Post.

Sixers assistant general manager Tony DiLeo expressed interest in Speights, who played two seasons UF but only started one. DiLeo told the Courier-Post that draft projections that have Speights being drafted by Philadelphia in the first round (No.16) might be correct.

Speights was one of five power forwards who worked out for the Sixers on Thursday. The others included Ryan Anderson (Cal), David Padgett (Louisville), Callistus Eziukwu (Grand Valley State) and Kentrell Gransberry (South Florida).

Said DiLeo of Speights in the Courier-Post: "He's athletic and he can score around the basket with both hands," DiLeo said. "He can step outside and shoot the jump shot. He's a work in progress, but he's a very talented player."

-jo-

Comments

[UF Peru]

I think he would have benefited from staying one more year in Florida and working on defense and consistency, but still wish him the best and pretty sure he'll be a play maker in couples of years in the NBA.

[Goody]

UF Peru,

Good call. We shall see. I've heard Al Horford has been practicing at UF this week. Wonder what Al would tell Speights about leaving after his sophomore season? I'll run by the practice facility tomorrow and see what I can find out.

-jo-

[Rich]

you do that kid...