Snyder expected to go high

Expect Nevada's Kirk Snyder, the Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year, to be selected in the upper half of the first round of Thursday's NBA draft in New York.

Snyder, who was projected by a recent Sports Illustrated mock draft to go at No. 12 to the Seattle SuperSonics, could go as early as No. 8 or No. 9, according to Nevada new head coach Mark Fox.

Snyder and J.R. Smith were the last two players to work out for the Sixers on Tuesday afternoon. Smith is a shooting guard from St. Benedict's Prep in Newark, New Jersey.

"I know Toronto (at No. 8) really likes him, but I don't know if they'll pull the trigger," said Fox, who flew to New York last night to be with Snyder at the draft. "He had a good workout for Philadelphia (No. 9).

"I would be shocked if he lasts until the 12th pick. His stock is really rising from what I've heard. He could be a lottery pick."

Courtney Witte, the Sixers' player personnel director, was unavailable for comment.

Rumors have been swirling around Snyder ever since he declared himself eligible for the draft. He's been rumored to go to Portland and Seattle among other places.

The junior off-guard, who averaged 18 points a game in leading the Wolf Pack to the WAC championship and to the school's first two NCAA wins in history, has impressed scouts with his shooting range and his overall athleticism.

He worked out for six teams that have lottery selections. According to a published report, he didn't work out for two teams, one of which was the Celtics. That was surprising considering the Celtics' Danny Ainge came out in person to see Snyder, and the fact that the Celtics have three first-round draft picks (15, 24 and 25).

FOX HIRES ASSISTANT

Fox filled out his coaching staff by hiring Dedrique Taylor, a former assistant at Portland State, UC Davis and Loyola Marymount.

Taylor worked the past two years at PSU as an assistant. He was the school's recruiting coordinator, and will join lead assistant David Carter and Josh Newman on Fox's first staff.

Taylor played collegiate basketball at Kings River College in Reedley, Calif., UC Davis and Armstrong State in Savannah, Ga. As a senior, he led the UC Davis Aggies to the NCAA Division II tournament.

Contact Darrell Moody at dmoody@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1281.