Pro Prospect of the Week

Joey Dorsey, 6-foot-9, 265 pounds, Memphis senior

The player. While similar skill sets can exist among players competing at all different levels of college basketball, it is physical stature that often differentiates legitimate pro prospects from those who will never get a whiff of a real live NBA uniform. Sheer size and athleticism are two primary characteristics that seize the attention of evaluators in their quest for talent. For three-plus seasons, Memphis post player Joey Dorsey has been a man among boys at the collegiate level, as he has had a pro body from the minute he pulled on a Tigers jersey.

Additionally, he has explosive leaping ability, runs the floor like a guard and plays the role of post enforcer with great spirit and animation. Although his offensive game is extremely limited, he earns his marks for his dynamic rebounding and fine shot-blocking.

The numbers.

Dorsey is averaging 8.1 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.9 blocks. but he logs just 26.9 minutes per game. His 74 percent field-goal accuracy is superb, but he averages fewer than five shots per game. His 9-for-28 shooting from the line this year has brought his career free-throw mark to an absurdly horrific mark of 42.6 precent.

The questions.

Will he be able to give minutes at both the power forward and center positions? Is his offensive game beyond help? Will he be a headache off of the court?

The prognosis.

Keen front office executives do not only focus their energies on seeking players who help in the scoring column, they make it a point to carve out roster spots for players who fill other critical roles. Although it is unlikely that Dorsey will ever be counted on for his offense, his blue-collar tenacity, high-revving motor and attention to defense should make him a hot commodity come the end of the first round in June's draft.