By Shannon Russell
The Cincinnati Enquirer

New Orleans Hornets owner George Shinn gives David West his new cap and jersey at a news conference in New Orleans Friday. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

The day after the NBA Draft, Xavier star David West boarded a plane to New Orleans and Ohio University standout Brandon Hunter flew to Boston to make acquaintances with their respective franchises.

But only time will tell how and where - and if - they'll fit in with their pro counterparts.

There seemed to be little doubt in the Hornets' front office regarding West's promise. West, a power forward and the 18th overall pick, is guaranteed a three-year contract worth $3.1 million.

Hornets executive vice president of basketball relations and general manager Bob Bass said West's smarts and Xavier success should pave the way for a smooth NBA transition.

"We felt like he's a really skilled player, very clever at the post. He uses his hands really well and he's extremely strong," Bass said. "The one thing we found out in workouts is that he can shoot from 16-18 feet out, which is another asset."

The Hornets sought a back-up center and point guard entering the draft. Bass said they instead tapped West because he was "the best player available." But the pick raised questions about the future of Hornets free agent and power forward P.J. Brown, whose contract expires Monday.

Drafting West had nothing to do with replacing Brown, Bass said. He added that the Hornets "definitely want to sign (Brown) back."

West toured the Hornets' facilities Friday and was introduced at an afternoon press conference.

"There's a million other guys who would love to trade places with me, so you've got to be thankful for the opportunity," West said.

The Hornets didn't organize a summer league team this year because of managerial transitions; Tim Floyd was named head coach June 9. Bass said coaches will determine what West will do the rest of the summer.

Hunter, the 56th pick by the Celtics, made a quieter entrance in comparison. The Celtics acquired two first-rounders - 13th pick Marcus Banks (guard) and 27th pick Kendrick Perkins (center) - before taking Hunter, a 6-7 forward who led the nation in rebounding (12.6 rpg) as a college senior, in the second round.

Hunter was the third-to-last player chosen overall in the draft.

"I worked out for a lot of these teams, so when they went down the list I kept thinking 'Pick me! Pick me!' When it got to the 50s, I thought I might as well be a free agent instead," Hunter said.

As a second-round pick, Hunter isn't guaranteed a salary. Agent Doug Neustadt said Hunter's first goal is to make the roster. The Celtics will begin making decisions after summer league, which starts in 10 days.

While the Celtics' buzz has centered on defensive standout Banks and high-schooler Perkins, Hunter hasn't been overlooked.

"He's the nation's leading rebounder," Celtics director of player personnel Leo Papile said at a post-draft press conference. "He's a beast. As (General Manager) Chris Wallace always says, 'Rebounding numbers hold up.' This second round was no joke. Look at some of the guys that didn't get drafted."

The Celtics have struggled on the boards, ranking 26th out of 29 teams last season.

"I think one of my strengths (rebounding) is one of their weaknesses," Hunter said.

DONALD LITTLE: Although he wasn't drafted Thursday, former UC player Donald Little remains optimistic about his career.

"It's disappointing. But just because you don't get drafted doesn't mean you don't have a chance of making it," Little said.

Little begins serving a 29-day jail sentence Sept. 2 for an assault charge.

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