V-BYTES
V-MAIL
V-SPEAK
V-VAULT
V-FILE
V-BOARD
V-GEAR

ALSO SEE:
Vitale: Question remains for Duke's Williams

Vitale: Griffin going for short-term gain

Vitale: Duke tames 'Cats for title

Dick Vitale Archive


AUDIO/VIDEO
Audio
 Rolling!
Shane Battier attacked the offensive boards to help lead Duke to another title.
wav: 146 k | Listen

 Dan Patrick Show
Legendary UCLA coach John Wooden on Shane Battier.
wav: 483 k | Listen

  Vitale Home     College Basketball     ESPN.com  

Battier's all-around skills bode well for NBA

SPECIAL TO ESPN.COM

Shane Battier
Shane Battier
To all the NBA scouts who think Shane Battier will not be a star player at the next level, all I can say is, "Wow."

What can't the Duke All-American do? He can rebound, block shots, defend and flat-out shoot the rock.

There is no substitute for players who can stick the J, baby, and he can tickle the twine with the best. He is nothing but nylon when he squares up and knocks down the jumper.

Battier represents toughness, heart and absolute team spirit.
I feel he will be an outstanding swing-forward in the NBA. Most of all, as coach Mike Krzyzewski would say, maybe players are quicker or can jump higher, but there aren't many who have the toughness, heart and absolute team spirit that Battier represents and brings to the table.

Battier is a winner and will be a winner with whatever NBA franchise drafts him -- not only in the uniform, but also in the community.

Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories