AN increasing skill level, huge wing span of 7ft 6in (the longest in the draft), and unique athleticism on his seven-foot frame will make Jamaica’s Jerome Jordan a key pick at the 2010 NBA draft just 15 days away.

Solid at mid-range jumping and with an ability to leap from such a high centre of gravity and make easy dunk shots, the 23-year-old Jamaican is marked as one of the most effective in a deep and talented group of centres this year.

In fact the group of centres is considered the best in the NBA draft in 10 years, ranging from 6ft 9in to 7ft 3in in height.

But Jordan, a Jamaica College past student, says he offers what very few seven-foot centres in the draft possess.

“I think I have the ability to step away from the basket and hit the outside jumper. Most seven-footers only work around the basket, but ever since I started playing it’s been a focus of mine to always work on my jumper and consistently improve my shooting percentage,” he said in an interview.

Since leaving the University of Tulsa, Jordan said he “left for a few weeks to start training, but then went back for the graduation ceremonies. It was a great feeling to walk across the stage and get my college diploma (in exercise sports science). After that was over, I came back to LA and really focused on my workouts. I went to Chicago for the pre-draft camp, and have now just been back in the gym getting ready for individual workouts with some of the teams,” he added.

With lack of body strength being a downside for the big man who has a soft touch, the 260-pound Jordan said he had “definitely put on some muscle since leaving college. I’ve been working hard in the weight room and working on my conditioning”.

With all rookies playing in the NBA summer league, Jordan is unlikely to represent Jamaica at the Centrobasket Championships in the Dominica Republic next month.

“I’ll know more about my summer schedule after the draft. Any chance I get I would love to come home for a visit. I miss my family and friends, and it will be great if I can spend as much time at home as possible,” he said.

Listing Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics as his favourite NBA player, Jordan said he’ll “be happy and blessed” no matter where he ends up and “just want to contribute to whatever team and whatever city I get drafted to”.

“I feel I am up for the task of being an NBA player because of my skill set, my size, and the fact that I would be a great contributor to any organisation,” noted Jordan, whose shoe size is 17 and would love to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

In his final year at Tulsa in the 2009-2010 NCAA season , Jordan averaged 15.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.3 block shots. He became the only player in the Conference USA to grab at least 800 rebounds and block 300 shots.