This was published 19 years ago
Tuned-in Bogut turns on NBA scouts and may drop out of college
American NBA talent scouts are going gaga over Australia's budding superstar Andrew Bogut.
The Athens Olympian has been running riot for the University of Utah men's team and on Monday was named Mountain West Conference player of the week, his third such award in seven weeks.
He leads all US college players in double-doubles, recording double figures in both points and rebounds in 12 of 16 games.
The 20-year-old, in his second year at Utah, is averaging a conference-best 20.2 points and 11.5 rebounds a game, leading the Utes to a 13-3 win-loss record, including victories in their past eight games.
Bogut's play has caught the attention of NBA talent scouts amid speculation he will forgo his final two years of college and declare himself available for this year's NBA draft.
In a recent win over Louisiana State University, a staggering 22 scouts turned up to watch Bogut go up against highly touted big man Brandon Bass.
And the Australian didn't disappoint, scoring 24 points and grabbing 17 rebounds, while holding Bass to 17 points and nine rebounds in a 69-55 victory for the Utes.
"We tried to double him but we couldn't stop him," LSU coach John Brady said after the game.
Bogut credits the extra faith put in him by Utah's coaching staff as the main reason for his superb season.
"The coaches have told me to be more aggressive than last year, and it's been good for us so far," Bogut told a US website.
"Last year I was more pass first. Even if the double is coming, I'm still going to score.
"If I see someone wide open, I'll hit them. Otherwise I'll throw it up there, because I'm hitting a good percentage."
But it's not just the impressive numbers that have scouts tipping him to be among the top five selections in the draft.
It's his extraordinary footwork, soft hands and nice outside shooting touch, features not normally associated with a player 209cm tall. It's the calmness with which he handles double-teams in the post, often finding the open player on the perimeter. And it's his ability to hold his own against the world's best.
Bogut was one of few positives to emerge from the Boomers' disappointing performance at the Athens Olympics.
He has returned to Utah a better player for his Olympic experience, and it has left opposition coaches scratching their heads looking for a way to combat the giant Australian.
"I personally don't think we'll play against a better big guy," Arizona coach Lute Olson said.
AAP