SLEEPER

Joel Freeland, Great Britain: Even British basketball fans were stunned when the Portland Trail Blazers made the unknown forward a first-round draft pick in 2006.

Fast-forward two years -- and an additional 25 pounds on Freeland's 6-foot-11 frame -- and it seemed the Blazers knew what they were doing.

After Freeland missed playing for the national team last year, Freeland stunned Great Britain's coaches with his improvement, a reflection of the fact that the 21-year-old took up basketball at the age of 16. Averages of 10 points and 5.6 boards in 19 minutes a game show his potential.

Also, some good words for Koponen