From the 1998 CC.net draft report http://www.clutchcity.net/feature.cfm?FeatureID=60 ... #41: Cuttino Mobley 6'4" SG - Rhodes Island Cuttino Mobley This is a reach pick, but the Rockets liked what they saw in Cuttino Mobley out of Rhode Island. Cuttino was nervous as the draft unfolded. "I was nervous, real nervous," Mobley said. "I said `If I don't get picked at 41, I'm done.'" But he was happy when it was all said and done. "I'm really happy right now," Mobley said. "I wanted to get picked. I went down to Houston and shot the ball real well, I thought." Strengths: Another senior who is a very good scorer. He's a southpaw who can hit the mid-range to long-range jumper, though many feel he needs to extend his range. His defense is another strong point, while his free throw shooting is exceptional. Hit 8 threes against Temple once. Weaknesses: Not a brilliant athlete, and some say he needs to work on his shooting range. ... Wow. Defense a strongpoint? Not a brilliant athlete? Highway robbery at the 41st pick, what a steal, but my how things have changed since then... .
I would have to agree with both points, although I think Cat is a better defender now than he was then. He has been drawing the toughest defensive assignment (excluding centers and power forwards) for a long time now. I personally think he does a very good job. As for the brilliant part, last night on a break, Mobley brought the ball down the court & pulled up at the 3 point line. Collier was underneath the basket with his man sealed calling for the ball. There was a big passing lane. Cat didn't pass it. Then Collier comes out to the 3 point line and Cat makes a lame-ass bounce pass that gets about 8 inches off the floor and goes into back-court for a violation. I really hate to criticize the guy, because he is a great scorer and a good defender. But, he invariably makes a play or two that makes you cuss out loud.
