Big Baby seeking Net gain

It won't be until late Thursday night that the Nets reveal whether or not they like Glen Davis enough to make him the 17th selection in the NBA draft.

But the player known as Big Baby has already made it clear that he likes the Nets. In fact, it sounds like he would love to play for them.

Since impressing the Nets in a predraft workout a couple of weeks ago, Glen Davis has blogged about how well he thinks he'd mesh with the team, especially its big three of Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson. He repeated those feelings yesterday.

"I think New Jersey would be a great fit," said Glen Davis, the robust forward from LSU.

While Glen Davis is just one of many big men the Nets are considering drafting, the team's fans have already made their choice, picking Glen Davis as the player they'd like to see the Nets take in a recent poll on the team's Web site.

Glen Davis has been a fan favorite wherever he's played. In fact, he charmed New Jersey basketball fans several years ago when he took part in the ABCD high school camp at Fairleigh Dickinson.

Most experts think Glen Davis is more likely to be a second-round selection. However, Nets GM Ed Stefanski raved about Glen Davis' workout at the team's practice facility on June 7. The Knicks, who pick 23rd on Thursday, also watched Glen Davis battle Duke forward Josh McRoberts that day.

Though the 6-9 Glen Davis is considered short for someone who plays his position, Stefanski was impressed with his footwork and athleticism. Stefanski said Glen Davis - who once ballooned to about 350 pounds - was in "great shape, excellent shape." He now weighs about 285.

Stefanski and Nets president Rod Thorn have both said that finding a big man who can rebound is one of the team's top priorities. They could make a trade to acquire such a player, but Glen Davis said they'd do just fine picking him. Glen Davis averaged 9.6 rebounds in three seasons at LSU. Last season he led the SEC with 10.4 boards a game.

"I think I just have a natural knack for the ball," said Glen Davis, who also once considered playing Division I football.

McRoberts has been the consensus pick for the Nets on numerous online mock drafts. Nevada's Nick Fazekas and Colorado State's Jason Smith are also possibilities. Both Thorn and Stefanski have also said that they would not be opposed to taking a wing player if a talented one fell on their spot in the draft.

Glen Davis knows what he wants them to do.

"I'm a big fan of all the guys who play there," said Glen Davis, who met Kidd at his workout earlier this month. "I love the coach and the coaches. I think New Jersey would be a great place to play."