Former UConn center Andre Drummond told reporters on Wednesday afternoon that he expects to be drafted somewhere among the first seven picks in Thursday's 2012 NBA Draft.
"I've heard anything from two to six, two to seven," Drummond said.
The top draft spot, which belongs to the New Orleans Hornets, is considered a lock to be used on Anthony Davis. But Drummond is a candidate to go anywhere else in the top 10.
The 6-foot-10, 18-year old said he has lost 22 pounds in the months leading up to the draft while working out with highly-respected trainer Idan Ravin, who is also known as The Hoops Whisperer. In addition to his private workouts, Drummond has strutted his stuff for five teams.
"Portland, Sacramento, Cleveland, Charlotte, Washington," he says, rattling the teams off quickly.
After averaging 10.0 points and 7.6 rebounds during his lone season at UConn, Drummond is seen as a high-risk, high-reward player. Though he has a rare mixture of athleticism and size, concerns exist about his work ethic and polish.
Drummond hears the criticism, but says he doesn't pay it any mind.
"I'm not really worried about that. I'm just going to come in and work hard, all that stuff about me being a bust is going to be put to rest," Drummond said.
"Whatever team I go to, in preseason all that talk will be put to rest," Drummond said. "I am a hard-worker. There's nothing wrong with my motor."
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