Bob Ryan Sizes Up the Celtics 1989 Draft Prospects

June 25, 1989

NICK ANDERSON, 6-5, Illinois

Early entry . . . Bullish inside player who plays bigger than size dictates . . . Very hard-nosed player.

TODD LICHTI, 6-4, Stanford -- Solid 20-point scorer . . . Very strong leaper . . . Takes it to hoop exceptionally well, and has a strong left hand.

MICHAEL SMITH, 6-10, BYU -- Scoring machine . . . Only Danny Ainge ever scored more at BYU . . . Superb passer . . . Awesomely indifferent defensive player.

TIM HARDAWAY, 5-11, Texas-El Paso -- Pit bull playmaker who zoomed from late second round to semi-elite status with eye-opening postseason performances.

B.J. ARMSTRONG, 6-1, Iowa -- Hawkeye mainstay is an offensive-minded point guard with 3-point range . . . All-time Iowa assist leader.

GARY LEONARD, 7-0, Missouri -- Only legit center in draft . . . Yanked in and out at Missouri, but possesses running and jumping skills.

VLADE DIVAC, 7-0, Yugoslavia -- Versatile offensive player who can face up, a la Alvan Adams, or post up, a la Kevin McHale . . . Enticing prospect.