Va. Union's Wallace shines at NBA Draft Camp
Virginia Union center Wayne Wallace was the only black college player to make it to the June 4-6 NBA Draft Camp at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. 
Wallace, who averaged 14.7 points and a conference-best 11.6
rebounds while earning all-CIAA honors for
the Panthers this year, is the nephew of two-time NBA Defensive Player of the
Year, Ben Wallace, who also attended Virginia Union.
His numbers this year were better than his uncle's in his final season at VUU (12.5 points, 10.5 rebounds). Perhaps that's what got the younger Wallace a look-see at the camp. Scouts certainly don't want to pass on another Wallace after Ben, who was undrafted out of VUU, has become an all-star in the league.
Wallace was one of 67 players that came to Chicago for the annual camp to demonstrate their skills in front of coaches and general managers from every NBA team.
Wallace was impressive in the three games he played with Team 1. His team finished 1-2 but Wallace did distinguish himself.
Listed at 6-7 1/4 and only 187 pounds but with a 7' 2" wingspan in measurements at the camp, Wallace scored 13 points, had seven rebounds and four blocked shots in an 84-74 loss to Team 2 on the first day.
He played sparingly on day two as Team 1 defeated Team 4, 84-80. Wallace totalled only five points, two rebounds and two blocks.
His best outing was in Friday's final day in a 81-72 loss to Team 6. He had a double-double, scoring 14 points and snaring 11 rebounds while blocking two shots.
Sixteen-year NBA veteran Johnny Newman, who attended the camp as an assistant coach, runs a summer league in Richmond that Wallace has played in the last two years. He said the youngster improved his stock.
"He played well. He was aggressive, rebounded the basketball and blocked shots all weekend long," said Newman. "People wanted to see what he could do and he definitely showed them something."
Newman says Wallace has a good chance of playing in the league but needs to work on a few things.
"He needs to push his body out, get bigger and stronger," Newman said. "He's not as big as Ben but just like Ben he's an outstanding shot blocker and rebounder. He's a little better offensively than Ben."
Charlotte-based scout Tim Anderson contributed to this story.
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