EXPERT ANALYSIS

"The Roy Hobbs of college basketball came out of nowhere to be the most exciting player in the ACC. If Francis had declared for the draft out of junior college last year, he would have been a late first-round pick. Now, after one year of college ball, he should be the first player selected. In short, nobody has more upside potential in this draft than Francis. He can play both guard spots and he's tough. Francis has tremendous athletic ability, and with the exception of Duke's Corey Maggette, he is the most gifted run-and-jump player in the draft. He has been compared to Allen Iverson, but I do not see that comparison beyond the fact that both are talented athletes that are not true playmakers, yet play the point. Francis is 21 years old and physically mature, however his game does not always reflect emotional maturity. Francis is a great leaper that plays hard on both ends of the floor, and can be an outstanding defender. Francis has good hands and anticipates well, but most of all, plays hard. He has the ability to get his own shot (off the dribble and from range) and he handles the ball well. With his strength, Francis can take a bump and draw the foul and finish at the rim. He passes well in the open court and has the ability to find people. Francis is an outstanding transition player, but sometimes makes poor decisions in the halfcourt. He showed frustration by forcing things at times against Duke and North Carolina, when experienced team defenses would key on him and take his tendencies away. The questions: Francis can play the point position, but can he truly run a team? Will he be an Iverson scoring talent, or will he get others involved?" -- ESPN's Jay Bilas

College: Maryland
Height: 6-3
Weight: 193 pounds
Position: Guard
Age: 21 (Feb. 21, 1978)
Birthplace: Silver Spring, Md.

Career highlights