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Tatum's NBA stock on the rise

Thursday, June 14, 2007 7:15 AM CDT

Jamaal Tatum's NBA stock is experiencing a bullish run.

Once considered a late second-round pick at best, some pundits are predicting the former Saluki guard could go in the first round. Tatum improved his draft position with strong performances at NBA pre-draft camps in Portsmouth and Orlando.

Tatum received prominent play this week on HOOPSWORLD.com.

Three of the Website's four writers tabbed Tatum as an NBA pick.

"This kid was perhaps the best guard in Orlando," said HOOPSWORLD's Travis Heath. "He showed the ability to shoot the ball outside and get to the rim. He was also scrappy on the defensive end of the floor."

Heath added that Tatum has the ability to prosper in the NBA.

Wendell Maxey Jr. wrote that Tatum would be drafted and picked him as one of the players at the pre-draft camp who could stick in the NBA.

"Pre-Draft was backcourt heavy with the likes of Aaron Brooks, Jamaal Tatum and Taurean Green showing many NBA personnel they belong in the league and possibly the first round."

And, then, there was Jessica Camerato's take.

"Tatum is getting recognized for more than just his hair," she said. "Scouts and coaches alike have taken to the small guard who can run the floor in a calm and collected manner. Tatum demonstrates solid communication skills on the court and knows how to get the ball to his teammates. He created a buzz in Orlando and will have a shot as a first-round pick."

The only thing that is surprising about all that is that Tatum appears to be something of a surprise.

Granted, Tatum did struggle his junior year at SIU. However, he stepped forward as a senior, putting together a solid season and saving his best performances for the biggest game.

When it got to crunch time for the Salukis, the ball found its way into Tatum's hands, and he usually delivered.

Another curiosity, the HOOPSWORLD writers refer to SIU as a "small" school.

"We're constantly knocking down walls," said SIU coach Chris Lowery. "We know we're not a small school. That's just one person's interpretation. The true basketball people know how good he is."

One possible reason for the late interest in Tatum is that he will have to play the point in the NBA. Although he did he share of creating for the Salukis, Tatum was essentially a shooting guard the past two seasons.

"He has to guard, he has to make the open shot and he has to run the club," Lowery said. "I think people are surprised he can do that since Bryan (Mullins) did the majority of our ball handling."

At any rate, Tatum's performance at the pre-draft camps has opened some eyes. Lowery said five or six teams have invited Tatum for workouts.

"We don't know if he'll get drafted or not, but he's put himself on a lot of teams' radar," Lowery said.

So far, it's been a good off-season for the Salukis. Tatum is looking like more of a draft lock and Randal Falker has been invited to try out for the United States' Pan Am team.

"The key is for somebody to come and play in this program and make it to the NBA," Lowery said. "It's a huge selling point."

LES WINKELER is the sports editor for The Southern Illinoisan. Contact him at les.winkeler@thesouthern.com, or call (618) 351-5088.