ROCHESTER, Minn. — A long time ago it looked like Longar Longar might have a future at Lloyd Noble Center as a defensive specialist. But when new coach Jeff Capel lost the majority of what was supposed to be Kelvin Sampson’s recruiting class prior to the 2006-07 season, Longar was forced into action.

His last two years at Oklahoma, he played long minutes in which he was expected to produce on both sides of the floor. In so doing, he just might have secured a career in professional basketball, maybe even in the NBA.

With that in mind, he’s been a very busy man the last couple of weeks.

The 6-foot-11 native of the Sudan, who went to high school in Rochester, Minn., has spent the past two weeks working out for seven NBA teams before Thursday’s draft, most recently with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Longar says it’s been exhausting, but it’s also been great meeting the different head coaches and having the chance to be drafted into NBA.

Some projections have him being taken in the second of the draft’s two rounds.

Minnesota assistant general manager Rob Babcock says Longar’s biggest detriment is his size. At 234 pounds he will be giving up 30 to 60 pounds to most NBA centers.

Still, Babcock says Longar has potential to grow and definitely has a future in professional basketball.