Providence College's all-time leading scorer now must prove himself by entering the league as a second-round pick.

10:04 AM EDT on Wednesday, June 29, 2005

BY KEVIN McNAMARA
Journal Sports Writer

PROVIDENCE -- Through his four years at Providence College, Ryan Gomes proved a lot of doubters wrong. Now, as he begins his pro career, another challenge awaits.

Gomes, PC's all-time leading scorer, didn't hear his name called in last night's NBA Draft until the Boston Celtics made him the 50th overall selection.

By that time, Gomes had walked outside of a Waterbury, Conn., restaurant where many of his friends and family had gathered for a draft-night party. When he

returned to the room with the news that the New England native was getting a chance to play in Boston, his friends exploded into cheers.

"I've been going through this, proving myself to people, since high school. I'm used to it," Gomes said. "It's not where you're selected, it's how long you stick around in your career."

The financial difference between the first and second round is significant. The 30 first-round picks receive guaranteed three-year contracts, with a club option for a fourth season. Second-rounders are simply invited to training camp, with no money guaranteed. If Gomes makes the Celtics' roster, he'll sign a one-year deal worth the NBA's minimum salary, about $385,000.

Of the 442 players in the NBA, about 100 entered the league as second-round picks.

"In the second round, you have to prove yourself, and I think with the Celtics I can do that," Gomes said. "I just have to keep working hard and make the team my first year and then I can prove myself and get a contract for the rest of my career."

Gomes worked out for the Celtics on Monday with hopes of being the team's first-round pick, 18th overall. However, he wasn't selected until 32 picks later.

"I'm shocked," said Celtics executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge. "To me, that's more of a shock than Gerald Green being there at 18. I mean, I think he can be a starter in this league."

Ainge said some members of his scouting staff encouraged him to package the 50th and 53rd picks to move up in the second round and grab Gomes.

"I don't know if we could have drawn it up any better as far as just getting lucky," Ainge said. "It's not anything that we did. It's luck that Ryan Gomes was there for us. He is a guy that we were seriously considering at No. 18."

Asked what he likes about Gomes' game, Ainge said "Other than that he was a first-team All-American last year? And a 20-point scorer? He rebounds and he shoots? Great attitude and character? And one of the best players the last two years? He's a big-time college player and I think he's got a chance to be a terrific player in this league."

The four picks that knocked Gomes out of the first round were four college forwards with similar résumés. When Jason Maxiell (26th to Detroit), Linas Kleiza (27, Portland), Wayne Simien (29, Miami) and David Lee (30, New York) were grabbed in the final few picks of the round, Gomes had to sit tight a little longer to hear his name.

Gomes was content that he couldn't have done much more to impress scouts. He traveled to 18 cities and worked out 23 times for scouts over the last two months but it was Boston that liked him the most.

"I'm still in New England, I've got some support here and I hope I can make the team," Gomes said. "I hope I can turn out to be a better pro than some of the guys picked ahead of me."

Carolyn Thornton contributed to this report.