Washington
Philip Maymin
Basketball News Services
The Washington Wizards will be holding their training camp in Richmond, Virginia this year at Virginia Commonwealth University. One of the invitees is undrafted senior Rich Melzer of Minneapolis Washburn, a 6-8 small forward who went undrafted this summer.
Charley Walters ofThe Twin Cities Pioneer Pressreports that in addition to joining Washington's camp, he will likely be drafted by the CBA as one of the top three prospects.
Before the draft, Melzer was projected by some as the tenth best small forward, but he didn't make any of the draft picks of either round. He was the Division III Player of the Year after averaging 26.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2 assists per game.
His game is apparently well-balanced, both with the ability to slash to the basket and to take the step-back jumper, and in addition he was measured as having a 7-2 wingspan. Could Tayshaun Prince be the best comparison for this lanky but talented small forward? Washington will get a good, long look at Melzer in camp.
TEAM NOTES
Wizards fans recently had the opportunity to chat with Washington center Etan Thomas at WashingtonWizards.com. Thomas fielded questions about his breakout season last year, an eventful summer for Thomas and the Wizards, and a promising season ahead for DC basketball.
You can shop at the Wizards team storewhere you can personalized jerseys with your name and number.
Charley Walters ofThe Twin Cities Pioneer Presswrites: Former Minneapolis Washburn player Rich Melzer from Wisconsin-River Falls has signed to play in the veterans' training camp of the Washington Wizards.Look for him to be among the top three picks in the Continental Basketball Association draft Sept. 19.
The Associated Press writes inABC 7 News: Some D.C. Council members have used money earmarked for constituent services to make some unusual purchases - including Washington Wizards tickets, gifts, interest-free loans, and meals.Constituent service funds are raised by council members from contributions or unspent campaign funds. According to the Washington Post, the money is meant to promote the city's general welfare or occasionally help needy residents with rent and utility bills.