Notes: Anigbogu likes possible fit with Bucks

CHICAGO — Heading into the NBA draft, it's hard for some to imagine how the Milwaukee Bucks — already one of the tallest, longest teams in the NBA — could possibly consider adding another big man to the mix.

Ike Anigbogu, an 18-year-old, 6-foot-10 center from UCLA, doesn't have to wonder. He already knows.

"They actually explained to me — if hypothetically I was able to be drafted to them — they explained to me my role and how I would fit in with the team, so I felt comfortable with it," Anigbogu said after meeting with the Bucks during the NBA draft combine.

With the second-longest wingspan measured at the combine (7 feet 6 1/4 inches), and hands 9 1/2 inches long — tied for the longest in this year's crop of prospects at the combine — Anigbogu has the physical features that many NBA teams covet in a rim-protector. He didn't get to display them much at UCLA, though, as he appeared in just 29 of 36 games due to various injuries and averaged just 13 minutes.

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A projected first-round pick following his one season with the Bruins, Anigbogu believes his ability to score in the post and shot-blocking would translate well to the NBA. He averaged 3.7 blocks per 40 minutes in college and once collected a triple-double with points, rebounds and blocks at Centennial High School in Corona, Calif.

While he would likely be just one of many big men if he joined the Bucks — especially if Greg Monroe and/or Spencer Hawes opt in to their contracts for next season — Anigbogu sees that as a positive.

"I feel that's inviting, especially competing against each other in practice and then being able to see one of the longest teams in the NBA on the court," he said. "That's all inviting."

Hayes sees improvement: Thursday marked Nigel Hayes' first time playing five-on-five since Wisconsin's loss to Florida in the NCAA Tournament. That meant shaking off some rust and reacquainting himself to game speed.

Hayes said he believed he improved his level of play Friday, contributing seven points on 2 of 5 shooting while dishing out two assists and grabbing a rebound in 21 minutes at Quest Multisport. It wasn't a perfect performance but a step in the right direction.

 "I think I did well on defense," Hayes said. "That's always something you want to show scouts, that you can play defense.

"As far as offense goes and scoring, I missed my shots. I didn't do anything out the ordinary. I thought that I would have touched the ball more, I'd score more, I'd facilitate more, but we all know at the combine ... if you're not a point guard chances of you getting the ball aren't too high."

Hayes, who is familiar with the Bucks considering they held their training camp in Madison each of the past two seasons, said he did not speak with them during the combine. He is, however, scheduled to work out with the team in Milwaukee.

Thoughts on the Bucks: Milwaukee maxed out on interviews at the combine, speaking with 20 players.

Among them were Monte Morris, a 21-year-old point guard from Iowa State, and Jawun Evans, a 20-year-old point guard from Oklahoma State.

Morris, who said he is trying to plan a workout in Milwaukee, noted that the conversations generally steered away from basketball.

"Just the background I come from, my mom and things like that," Morris said regarding the questions the Bucks asked. "What did I do growing up, what do I do for hobbies; they know my basketball and my play. They asked me some questions about me and my teammates and what they would say about me and things like that."

Evans, who often had the ball in his hands while leading Oklahoma State's high-octane offense this season, said he could see the benefits of joining the Bucks and playing for former star point guard Jason Kidd.

"I think I fit pretty well with the guys they've got on the wings," Evans said. "They're pretty long, so me as a point guard I can get the ball out to them and you can move it."

On the mend: Former Indiana standout OG Anunoby met with the media on Friday, but unlike the other NBA hopefuls did not sit down. In the midst of his rehab for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, Anunoby opted for the more comfortable option of standing.

Perceived as a lottery-level talent before his knee injury in January, Anunoby, who signed with an agent following his sophomore season, could go anywhere in the draft. He's a 6-foot-8, 232-pound forward who can play all over the court and while at Indiana displayed impressive versatility and athleticism.

"I'm already back on the court shooting jump shots," said Anunoby, who doesn't have a solid timetable yet for his return. "Probably a little ways away (from) full out."