Four local hardwood heroes selected by NBA

A guide to the NBA future of Philly's hoops stars Ever a basketball hotbed, Philadelphia was well-represented in last week's National Basketball Association draft. Here is a summary of the college (or high school) achievements of the four locals and the outlook for each as they enter the world's most prestigious basketball league: · Kerry Kittles -- 1st round (No. 8 overall) to the New Jersey Nets The only Big 5 player selected, Kittles' Villanova career nearly ended before it began. Four years ago, new coach Steve Lappas had to fly to Kittles' native New Orleans and plead with Louisiana's Mr. Basketball to keep the commitment he had made to departing coach Rollie Massimino. Lappas succeeded and all he got in return was arguably the best player in Villanova history. At 6-foot-5, 179 pounds, Kittles played shooting guard for the Wildcats. His accomplishments as the cornerstone of 'Nova's rebuilding are impressive. Among his 16 school records is career points, of which he had 2,243. Kittles earned first team All-American honors for his senior campaign. Kittles had been projected as high as No. 4 overall, although questions about his heart, fueled by poor performances in the NCAA tourney, and his slender build made him a question mark. New Nets coach John Calipari was happy to take Kittles, though, as a shooting guard is just what the New Jersey team needed most. Analysis: Kittles will be good at the very least and an All-Star at the best. In any case, he'll be fabulously rich. · Kobe Bryant -- 1st round (No. 13 overall) to the Charlotte Hornets Few high schoolers have ever drawn as much attention as the 17-year old from Lower Merion (Pa.) High in suburban Philadelphia. Bryant, who's father Joe played professionally in Italy and the NBA and then served as an assistant at La Salle, could have chosen any college. Instead, he elected to go straight to the NBA, a move that is already paying off, as a result of his shoe deal with adidas. Bryant's career at Lower Merion is already legendary. The all-time leading scorer in Southeast Pennsylvania history, Bryant led the Aces to the state title in his senior year. His unbounded potential, even with an unrefined game, forced the Hornets to make Bryant the last pick in the lottery, despite public statements from new coach Dave Cowens that he did not want the 6-foot-6 shooting guard. Analysis: What can you say about Kobe? He could be the next Michael Jordan or a big disappointment. In any case, he'll probably not do it in Charlotte, who are trying their best to deal the teen sensation to the Lakers for Vlade Divac. · Shawn Harvey -- 2nd round (No. 34 overall) to the Dallas Mavericks A former standout at West Philadelphia High, Harvey is something of an unknown quantity. A 6-foot-4 point guard, Harvey did not get the big-time college experience that pro teams like. Instead, Harvey played three seasons at NAIA West Virginia State after transferring from Essex (N.J.) County College. Obviously above his small-school competition, Harvey averaged 25.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists during his West Virginia St. career. Notable in that time are a 35-point night against Division I Eastern Kentucky and a 49-point explosion vesus the College of Charleston. Those performance earned him NAIA second team All-American honors in 1996. Analysis: Teams like to pick a good athlete who might surprise in the second round. Dallas' lack of depth at the guard spot and the possible trade of Jim Jackson give Harvey a decent chance to make the team. · Malik Rose -- 2nd round (No. 44 overall) to the Charlotte Hornets The "Shaq of the NAC", Rose was the best player on the Drexel teams that dominated the North Atlantic Conference over the past several years. Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing in at 250 pounds, Rose was listed as a center. Rose put up 20.2 points and 13.2 rebounds per contest, but NBA teams were underwhelmed by the generally poor competition Drexel faced. In addition, Rose is several inches shorter than a typical NBA power forward, which sent up flares around the league. The Rockets were the only team to bring Rose in for a workout. Ultimately, Charlotte thought the Philly native worth a look and spent their second round pick on him. Analysis: Probably no better or worse than the typical bruising NBA backup power forward, Rose has no star potential. He may wind up in Europe, where his height would not be a detriment.