Could Pistons be the right fit for DeAndre Daniels?

STORRS – While former UConn teammate Shabazz Napier was in New York’s Times Square Wednesday, answering questions about Thursday night’s NBA Draft, DeAndre Daniels was in Detroit working out for the Pistons and hoping fate might bring him back together with his friend and another former UConn teammate -Andre Drummond.

Daniels, who decided to forego his senior season at UConn and enter the draft, hopes to hear his name called – more than likely in the second round.

During an interview Wednesday in his Gampel Pavilion office, UConn coach Kevin Ollie said he had lost count how many teams Daniels has worked out with as the draft approaches.

“He worked out for a lot,” Ollie said. “When he left after the White House [June 9], I think he said he had 14.”

He had already worked out for 14?

“No – after [the White House],” Ollie said. “Every day [almost]. That’s the grind. I know he had some back-to-backs with flying, but that’s the NBA life and that’s what we try to tell our guys. It’s a different life. It’s not all the glitz and glamor and TNT [games]. It’s a grind and you’ve got to be ready for it.”

Ollie said he is 100 percent confident that Daniels will be drafted. The Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets have shown considerable interest in the former UConn forward, in addition to Detroit.

“He’s long, he’s athletic, he’s shooting the ball very, very well at his workouts,” Ollie said. “We want him to be more consistent with his effort but we’re hearing good thing. Detroit is very interested.”

In an interview on Pistons.com Drummond said he is happy Daniels made the decision to turn pro. Drummond is supporting him and advising Daniels.

“He took that leap to better himself and his family,” Drummond said.

Drummond said he has warned Daniels that it is a different game in the NBA and he must take care of his body.

“I think he’ll be fine,” Drummond said.

One of the workout stops for Daniels was Indiana on June 13. Daniels talked to Pacers.com about his shooting ability and the influence Ollie had on him at UConn.

“He has that innate ability to shoot the ball and he’s 6-9,” Ollie said Wednesday. “He’s versatile. I think he has the mindset to get better. He has to have that consistency to work hard and project himself as a great player each and every day. I think he can do that. And he’s going to have more time to work on his game.

“You can’t teach that shooting touch he has. I think that’s what intrigues a lot of people.”