ORLANDO --
Bryce Taylor doesn't need to look far to find someone who used the NBA predraft camp as a springboard to improving their stock in the draft.
Last year, Aaron Brooks entered the predraft camp as a likely second-round pick. But the former Oregon guard wowed team representatives at the camp and during individual workouts, leading to Houston using its first-round pick (26th overall) to select Brooks.
Taylor, who played four seasons at Oregon, is hoping to emulate Brooks' success by creating a buzz during the camp, which began Tuesday. The only difference? Taylor, projected as a second-round pick at best or a free agent signee, wants to use the camp to attract attention and start climbing the draft charts.
"Coming out here, he (Brooks) was able to show what he could bring to an NBA team," Taylor said. "Then he further elevated his stock during his workouts. But it all started here for him."
Taylor knows he has work to do to enhance his status. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound guard's senior season was a disappointment compared to his junior season. His productivity decreased in several statistical categories (scoring, rebounding, assists, shooting percentage). Only his turnovers increased.
Oregon coach Ernie Kent, who spent Tuesday watching Taylor and fellow Ducks players
Malik Hairston and
Maarty Leunen, said Taylor has the necessary skills to follow Brooks to the NBA.
"I think if he were to really play aggressive basketball, I think Bryce has a very good package that can certainly be successful at (the NBA) level," Kent said.
Taylor must also overcome the perception that he is a passive player. Scouts and NBA observers say he was too willing to remain in the shadows during games -- passing up shots and shooting without much confidence.
"Bryce is a nice kid by nature. And in basketball, that's not always the best thing," said Jonathan Givony, president of Draft Express.com. "Some of the best players in the world are some of the meanest and nastiest guys around."
Taylor said he's heard those criticisms, and the camp gives him an opportunity to adopt a different mind-set.