LASALLE UNIVERSITY

Julian Banks 6-2 185 G

HISTORY:

2000-2001: Coming off a season in which he averaged nearly as many assists as points, Blanks upped his scoring average to 11.8 points per game. He scored in double-digits in 18 games. Blanks ranked second on the team in minutes played with 1,129, an average of 38.9 minutes per game. For the third straight season, he had more assists than turnovers. Blanks had 174 assists versus 109 turnovers on the season. His 1.60 assist-to-turnover ratio was 10th in the Atlantic 10. His 406 assists rank him seventh in Explorer history heading into his senior season, and at his current pace will most likely finish second all-time. His 4.8 assists per game gives Blanks the fifth-best assist-per-game average in school history. He posted 20 games of five or more assists in the 2000-01 season, including one stretch of 11 straight games. Blanks is also climbing the record charts in steals, currently with 122. He is 12th in school history in this category, having led the team in each of his three seasons with the Explorers. He had 17 multiple-steal games last season and recorded at least one steal in 24 of the 28 Explorer games. Blanks also is just over 200 points from becoming the 42nd player in La Salle history to score over 1,000 career points. He scored 20 or more points four times last season. He scored in double-figures 18 times, including a career-high 25 points in a loss to St. Bonaventure. Has started all 85 games the Explorers have played in his three seasons.

1999-2000: Averaged 7.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per outing. Led the team with 135 assists, which ranked him third in the Atlantic 10 Conference at 4.82 per game. Scored in double figures nine times and handed out five or more assists 16 times. Played the entire game 13 times, including one overtime game, and a stretch of six straight games where he played all 40 minutes. Was second on the team in minutes played with 1051. Finished seventh in the conference in assist-to-turnover ratio at 1.59-to-1.

1998-99: Started in all 28 of La Salle's games. Played 34 or more minutes in 21 games. Led the team in steals (31), including 16 in conference games. Was second on the team in steals (97). Shot 6-7 from behind the three-point arc vs. Mount St. Mary’s. His .737 free throw percentage was good for second best on the Explorers. Hit a season-best seven free throws against Duquesne.

High School: Named second team All-State by the Associated Press as a senior and picked for the fifth team following junior season. Finished his career as the third leading scorer in school history with 1,102 points. As a senior he paced the team in scoring (18.2), field goal percentage (51.6%), free throw percentage (72.4%), rebounding (6.0), assists (3.4) and steals (2.2).

EVALUATION:

Blanks is a consistent and steady point guard. He has tremendous stamina and frequently will play the entire game. His assist to turnover ratio is solid, and his scoring has improved every season he has been at LaSalle. He is a good on ball defender who only gets better because he has to go up against top point guards every night. So, without question he has the skill to play overseas, in the CBA, or the the ABA.

Rasul Butler 6-7 205 F

HISTORY:

2000-2001: Pre-season named to the Wooden Award list, as one of the top 50 players in the nation. Led the team in scoring for the second consecutive season, this time with an average of 22.1 points per game. A true workhorse, Butler has averaged just under 38 minutes per game for his career, including playing 35 or more minutes in 26 of the 29 games. Led or tied for the team lead in rebounding eight times. Butler has raised both his scoring and rebounding averages in each of his three seasons. His scoring average has jumped from 14.2 points to 22.1 points per game and his rebounding went from 4.0 to 6.4 per contest. Butler scored in double-figures in 28 of 29 games and scored 20 or more points in 19 games. Along with raising his scoring and rebounding totals, Butler has also increased his assists, field goal percentage and three-point field goal percentage. Scored a career-high 39 points against Rhode Island> He climbed into 17th place on the school’s all-time scoring list with a career total of 1,455 points in his three season, 78-game career. For his career, Butler is on pace to make the top 10 in school history in the following categories - scoring, field goals made, field goals attempted, free throw percentage, blocked shots, three-point field goals made, and three-point field goals attempted. He has also started 77 of the 78 games in which he has played. Along with being on the Wooden Award list, Butler was named to the First Team All-Atlantic 10 and All-Philadelphia Big 5 teams after his junior season.

1999-2000: Became one of the top offensive threats in the Atlantic 10 averaging 18.4 points per game. Finished as the leading scorer in the Philadelphia Big 5 and was third overall in the Atlantic 10. Named to Second Team All-Philadelphia Big 5 and Third Team All-Atlantic 10. Was among the Atlantic 10 leaders in three-pointers made (83), three-point percentage (38.1), blocked shots (34), field goal percentage (39.9), defensive rebounds (107). He led the Explorers in scoring and also led the team in scoring in 13 contests. Along with leading the team in scoring, he led the team in minutes played (1072), average minutes (38.3), field goals (183), field goals attempted (459), three-pointer made (83), three-pointers attempted (218), three-point percentage (38.1), free throw percentage (81.7), points scored (516).

1998-99: Started the last 20 games of the season, including all 16 conference games. Led the team in free throw percentage (.741), was second on the team in blocked shots (23), third in three-pointers with 45, fourth on the team in points per game (14.2), points (298), field goals (105) and rebounds (83). Played 34 or more minutes in 17 games, including the last 16. Scored in double figures in 19 games, including over 20 twice.

High School: Named the Philadelphia Daily News and Philadelphia Inquirer Player of the Year in his senior season. Finished his high school career with 1,237 points. Averaged 27.0 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and three steals per game his senior year… For this, he was selected to the Associated Press First Team All-State and Parade Magazine's Third Team All-American.

EVALUATION:

Butler is a definite pro prospect. He is an offensive force on the perimeter, and though he is listed as a forward he does have the ability to slide over and play the shooting guard position. He is without a doubt one of the top offensive players ib the Philadelphia Big 5 and the Atlantic 10. He could possibly be drafted by a NBA team, but if not he could play in the NBDL, CBA, or overseas.