Bogut blossoming

"In the last 21 years, there have been only four number one picks to make the playoffs in their rookie season: David Robinson, Chris Webber, Tim Duncan and Andrew Bogut. That's pretty good company," said coach Terry Stotts.

Bogut's scoring, rebounding and assists are all up this year. So are his minutes played, shooting percentage, and free-throw accuracy.

"Last year I was worried about getting the ball, worried about all that type of stuff," Bogut told Reuters in a locker room interview. "This year I'm just going out there any playing.

"The difference between this year and last has been night and day since I've learned how to be a professional."

Bogut, 22, is averaging 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists a game this season. While those are solid numbers, many believe the number one collegiate pick should exhibit All-Star credentials right out of the gate.

Stotts believes the burden associated with being the top draft choice is exaggerated.

"The expectations of a number one pick, especially since they've become younger and younger, it's a little but unfair," he said. "Andrew had a very solid rookie season and he helped us make the playoffs.

"He's gotten better this year. He has more responsibility and statistically he's improved. His interior play is one of the reasons why we had a really good December. He's a very competitive player."

Bogut claims he no longer feels he has a bull's eye on his back following his selection out of Utah as the top pick in the draft.

"For me, it's gone," said Bogut, who left Utah after his sophomore season after earning consensus Player of the Year honours. "I had a hell of a year in college and got a lot of awards. I think I deserved to be that pick.

"People are always going to pick at you, no matter how good you are, no matter how bad you are. I've done better than several other top picks in the last five or six years. So I'm not too worried about that anymore."

Bogut, sixth in the league in shooting percentage at .568, does the little things that help a team win. He is an excellent passer and runs the floor well for a big man. It is not unusual for him to lead the Bucks in assists.

But Bogut, who featured for Australia at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, is not concerned about his statistics.

The Bucks (16-16) were ousted in the first round of the playoffs last year by Detroit, an experience that only whetted his appetite.

"Just getting to the playoffs last year and getting a taste of it was unbelievable," he said. "Getting to the second round is my next goal. That's what I really want."