That is what Chris Taft has become from the 2005 draft. They guy/story cited for the dangers of underclassmen going to the draft. From a puff piece on Duke’s Sheldon Williams not going pro.

Williams watched the 2005 draft with his teammates in the Duke locker room and was struck by the unpredictability of the selections. He said he is confident that he is better than some players who were chosen high in the first round, but added that the draft is risky for underclassmen.

“You can think you are lottery and end up slipping to the second round like (Pittsburgh power forward) Chris Taft did,” Williams said. “There are a lot of crazy things and nothing is guaranteed.”

This has been a common thing in stories. Of course, Taft was drafted and has been playing for the Warriors Summer League team, backing up Ike Diogu. In the 2 games played (pdf) so far, he averaged 15.5 minutes, 6.5 points (6-9 shooting) and 5.5 rebounds. He also averaged 3 turnovers (all 6 came in the second game). Reports are that he is doing what is asked of him, despite not much playing time available.

Chris Taft played really well too despite the fact that our abundance of big guys limited him to only 12 minutes. In that time, he converted two hoops inside and made 1 of 2 free throws. He grabbed four boards and was a solid defensive presence. His defensive game is more refined at this point than his offense, but today and in our practices it is clear why he had been projected as a first round pick. He has a good defensive mind and has been well coached in fundamentals that will help our team at this end of the floor.

“Well coached in the fundamentals…” He just needs to remember them.