Lavoy Allen, Corey Fisher, Corey Stokes remain optimistic about NBA draft chances

There's a chance Temple's Lavoy Allen and Villanova's Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes will be excluded from Thursday's NBA draft.

Just don't tell that the former Big Five standouts.

All three remain optimistic despite being left off most mock drafts and receiving little to no pre-draft buzz.

"The [Charlotte] Bobcats have a couple of first-round picks," said Stokes, a 6-foot-5, 195-pound guard. "They told my agent that they really like me a lot. . . . The Cavs like me. My agent got on the phone with the Nets [June 15]. They like me. So we have to see from there."

Like Stokes, Fisher said said he's receiving great feedback from NBA teams.

"As they see me more and more and [I] hear from teams, they are starting to like me more and more," the 6-1, 200-pound point guard said.

Allen, a 6-9, 225-pound power forward, realizes the draft is unpredictable.

"So, I'm hoping to get drafted," he said during his second workout with the 76ers on Sunday. "I tried my best, competed in every workout. I think I did a good job."

Of the three, Allen likely has the best chance to hear his named called Thursday night.

In his NBA mock draft released Tuesday, ESPN draft analyst Chad Ford has the San Antonio Spurs taking Allen with the 59th overall pick in the second round.

The Pennsbury High School product, however, was left off the DraftExpress.com. and NBADraft.net mock drafts.

"He's a big man with a soft touch, and he's a good rebounder," Ford wrote about Allen's expected selection. "At this point in the draft we're reaching, but there's some talent there."

The knock on Temple's career rebounding leader is he disappears during games and lacks a high motor.

While a talented perimeter player, Stokes must prove to NBA teams that he can do more than stick long-range jumpers. And subpar court vision and inability to consistently make jumpers could hinder Fisher's chances of getting drafted.

But even if he doesn't get picked Thursday, Fisher is confident there's a place for him in the NBA.

"I'm going to always bring toughness," he said. "I'm going to be a leader. That's something I did in college. I know that's something I'm going to continue to do and something I'm good at.

"Wherever I land at, they are going to get a great guard."

Syracuse forward Rick Jackson, a Neumann-Goretti High School product, is projected to be drafted in the second round. Pitt guard Brad Wanamaker, a Roman Catholic graduate, could go late in the second round.