On Saturday, June 7th the Nuggets welcomed five big men to the Pepsi Center practice facility: J.J. Hickson of North Carolina State, James Gist of Maryland, Marcus Dove of Oklahoma State, Omri Casspi of Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) and Ryan Anderson of California. Hickson, a 6-9 forward, led the Wolfpack in scoring and rebounding (14.8 ppg and 8.5 rpg) in his freshman campaign and was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team. Gist, also a 6-9 forward, was a member of the ACC All-Defensive Team and finished his four-year career with 1,414 points and 783 rebounds. Dove is a 6-9 defensive specialist who was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year in the Big XII, as well as one of only four players in OSU’s history to register 100+ steals and 100+ blocks. Casspi is a 6-8, 19-year-old who is making the quest to become the first ever Isreali to play in the NBA. Last but not least, is Anderson a 6-10 scorer who led the Pac-10 in scoring as a sophomore at Cal (21.1 ppg) and earned First Team All-Conference honors in the very talented league.

Nuggets.com’s Jonathan Diedrich had a chance to catch up with the versatile Anderson after his workout.

Ryan Anderson, 6-10, 240, California, Sophomore

How did your workout go today?
There were a lot of talented guys around me, it was a great workout. Getting used to the elevation change in Denver, but it went pretty well. I think I showed my strengths, my shooting ability. Hopefully I impressed the coaches; I love Denver, so hopefully this is a place for me to stay.

What was the best part of your workout today?
I think I showed the coaches maybe a little bit of the stuff that they think I couldn’t have done, maybe off the dribble, a little bit more of my athleticism. Some people think I am not very athletic, so hopefully I showed and proved those doubters wrong.

What do you look to prove to each organization that you workout for, and how do you prepare yourself?
Just come in confident and throw all the shakiness and nervousness away. Because ultimately I came in without an agent, so I am just trying to get information. This is a fun period and I feel blessed to be in a situation like this. I am just trying to have fun and get these workouts through. Try and make my decision as best as I can on the 16th (of June) to decide if I want to stay (in the draft) or not.

What is your game’s biggest strength?
I am an inside outside kind of player, trying to develop that all-around driving game, pull-up jumper game, and pick and pops. A lot of teams need those big guys that can step out and shoot it, I feel that’s my strongest ability.

What’s your game’s biggest weakness?
Little bit of footwork, I need to tighten up in that aspect, especially driving to the hoop. That is something that I feel like, especially the coaches here in Denver, can help me develop.

Looking back, what was your best game in college?
My best game in college, that’s tough. I would probably have to say Washington State because they were ranked #11 at the time and we won that game. A couple other games I had some pretty good offensive performances, but this Washington State game was really where we kind of showed that we could beat one of the best teams in the country. I had 27 (points) and 14 (rebounds) or something like that, which helped my team win.

What are you most looking forward to about being in the NBA?
Basically it has always been a dream of mine to play in the NBA, working hard everyday and getting to that next level. As well as proving people wrong, people who don’t think I can do some things. People don’t think I can step in and produce right away, so hopefully that is something I can do right out of the get-go. I am excited to see what this process holds for me. Like I said earlier, I really feel blessed to be in this situation.

What is your biggest fear about the NBA?
I wouldn’t call it a fear, but my team at Cal – we were all really close and best friends. Basically in the NBA it is a business and you are kind of on your own. It wouldn’t be a fear, but being by myself and getting acclimated to a lifestyle by myself.

Do you have a favorite player or role model that you looked up to most growing up?
I have always loved Michael Jordan because of his work ethic; he was definitely somebody I looked up. Also Kevin Garnett, he has so much heart that he shows on the court, so much emotion. He is a guy I look up to and hopefully can have his work ethic. I definitely look up to him and will work that hard to strive to be the best I can.

When did you start playing basketball?
I started when I was about 8. I started with a local NJB team.

What do you think your biggest challenge is going to be at the next level?
Traveling, getting acclimated with the team. Getting comfortable right out of the get-go. I just have to work hard to get in there and produce right away, but it is not going to be a smooth ride, you have to work hard. It is going to be a challenge, but it is something I want to do. I want to work hard.

Would you rather go to a team where you can play right away, or a winning team where you may not get time but can learn from working with their veteran players in practice?
I think there are benefits to both. I think it would be amazing to play for an established team, fit in their and make my own role. Get in there and get my production value in there and win games. I want to help whatever team I play for win games.

What was your favorite subject in school?
History, my dad majored in history. We would always go on hikes and he would always tell me all these historical facts so I have always loved it.

What would be the first thing you'd buy if you get drafted in the NBA?
Oh man, this is a tough question. There are so many different things depending where I am. Maybe a living situation, maybe something for my parents who have helped me through this process and been really supportive. I am not too sure yet.

Do you have any brothers or sisters?
I have a sister, she is 24. She is going to Junior College right not, but she is going to be going to Sacramento State. She has been very supportive as well.

Who is the biggest influence of your life?
My parents definitely showed me how to be supportive. Showed me how I want to raise my kids. Not pressuring me through any of this and just gave me a clear path on what they want me to do and just support me.

Who is your favorite musical artist?
I like a bunch of different types (of artists). I always keep my iPod on shuffle.

What is your favorite movie?
I am a movie buff, I have always loved “Dumber and Dumber,” it is hilarious. But I also love the adventure movies like “Indiana Jones” and “Star Wars.”

What is your favorite TV show?
I just got into the Office – I love that, and the Family Guy. They are probably my two favorites.

What did you think of last year's Nuggets team?
I think they have all the talent and ability in the world. They are missing someone just like me (jokingly, laughs), I am just kidding. They are a great team; they definitely have guys that produce. They have All-Stars like crazy. They just need leadership and an ability to go out and play hard everyday to win. I can’t say much because I’ve never been in the NBA; but they are a very talented team, we can say that. The coaching staff is great, it’s awesome.

Which NBA player, past or present, would you compare yourself to?
I have been compared to every white guy that can shoot. I would like to be compared to maybe Dirk Nowitzki, he can shoot, post up, and put the ball on the ground. Maybe Troy Murphy, like I said big guys that can shoot.

Who was your favorite player you played against in college?
Spencer Hawes (University of Washington – now with the Sacramento Kings). He is a really talented kid and we gained a relationship from playing against each other, and he is a great kid.

Which NBA player do you look most forward to playing against or with?
It would just be great to play in the NBA. Every team has amazing players and it would be great to come in and play against those guys and compete with them.

Any advice for the Chicago Bulls – who should they take Derrick Rose or Michael Beasely?
(Laughs) I played against Beasley. He is a real talented kid and I have heard good things about Rose. So I wish them the best of luck, no real advice.

Celtics or Lakers?
I am from Sacramento, so we are not big Lakers fans. So probably Boston, I want Kevin Garnett to get that championship.