Reynolds working on draft standing

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - After an NBA predraft workout session Thursday hosted by the New Jersey Nets, former Villanova guard Scottie Reynolds was in a familiar spot.

While a few players were engaged in conversation and others were already in the locker room, Reynolds was surrounded by members of the media.

Like the other 11 hopefuls, Reynolds showed his skills in a combine-like format that included drills, plus one-on-one and three-on-three play. The media was not allowed to watch the sessions, which were divided into two parts with six players in each.

Friday is the last day of the three-day get-together, which attracted representatives from 23 NBA clubs. The league's draft will be June 24.

"Just the energy, the competition, the way people are competing, that's what you enjoy," the 6-foot-2 Reynolds said of the workout. "I'm enjoying it, but at the same time, it's draining."

A first-team all-American who left 'Nova second on the school's all-time scoring list with 2,222 career points, Reynolds tested the waters last year after his junior season.

He subsequently withdrew his name from consideration from the NBA Draft, and returned to Villanova to lead the team in scoring with 18.2 points per game as the Wildcats went 25-8, and suffered an upset loss to St. Mary's in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

In 2009, it was Reynolds' last-second, length-of-the-court drive and layup that resulted in the Wildcats' 78-76 victory over Pittsburgh that put 'Nova in the Final Four.

Reynolds said having been through NBA tryouts once is a valuable tool as he tries to prove his worth.

"You go the first time and you see guys like Larry Bird and Danny Ainge, and it sets you back a little bit," said Reynolds, who was headed to Detroit on Thursday to work out for the Pistons. "But, when you step between the lines, you can't worry about missing shots or taking shots."

Also among the 12 players who took part in the workout at the Nets' PNY Center practice facility was Lenape High grad and Rider University star Ryan Thompson, whose brother, Jason, went from the Broncs to the Sacramento Kings a couple of years ago.

The 6-6 Ryan Thompson, whose versatility should serve him well as he navigates the process, was the only player in Rider history to finish in the schools' top 10 in points, rebounds and assists. He averaged 17.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists as a senior.

Thompson is expected to visit several other NBA teams.

"It kind of gets me nervous," Thompson said. "You really don't know. I'm getting positive feedback and doing everything I'm supposed to do. I'll just let the chips fall where they may, and just hope for the best."

While he played at a mid-major and was not in the spotlight as Reynolds was, Thompson is similar to the Wildcats' star in that they both are projected to be second-round draft picks at best, and free agents at the least.

And while Thompson is a legitimate two-guard who can defend multiple positions, there are questions as to whether Reynolds has the game of a point guard or a shooting guard.

"I think you just want an opportunity," said Reynolds, who spoke about how his conversations with 'Nova coach Jay Wright have helped him keep his head "kind of clear about everything."