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http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2012-0 ... n-schedule



While the start of training camp is still seven weeks away, the Miami Heat are getting a read of who will be on the court for that opening session.

European website Sportando is reporting that 2010 second-round draft pick Jarvis Varnado has been invited to Heat training camp, the first time he would make such an appearance.

With such a move the Heat would lose Varnado's rights if he is cut during camp. They previously have retained his rights because he bypassed contract offers in favor of playing overseas.

Varnado, a 6-foot-9 shot-blocking center out of Mississippi State, has split the past two seasons between Italy and Israel.

He was limited to two nondescript appearances in summer league last month due to injury

Good move. He looked awful in his limited SL appearances, coming off injury. I had high hopes for this guy. Basically there's no point in keeping him overseas one more year, he's got one shot to prove he can contribute. Let's see what happens.

he looked bad in SL but thats not the Varnado that I know. Hopefully he will come out strong and make a case for himself in camp. He can play on both ends of the floor and is not as one dimensional as many think. He was a force and afocus in the SEC. There is no reason to keep Joel Anthony on the roster over this guy. Dare I say it he could be our worm 2.0

During Varnado's last two years in school, in 2008-09 and 2009-10, he:

- Lead Mississippi State in scoring both seasons (12.9 and 13.8 pts/g)...
- Was 2nd in the SEC in total FTAs the two years...
- Lead the SEC in total rebounds over the two years...

So not only is he the NCAA's all-time leading shot blocker, but he could rebound, score, and get to the FT line - and he did all this while committing few fouls...

He'd be a great addition to the Heat...

Not a chance to make the team.

Miami sure do likes to sign undersized big men.

He's worth a look. He knows the organization and plays scrappy defense. We'll see. I don't expect him to make it. Based on SL, I'd take JHam over him, but I wouldn't be surprised if Varnado makes the final cut. The last 2 spots are gonna be wearing suits most of the season anyway. PEACE.

Serge Ibaka is 6-10 and 235 lbs. Jarvis Varnado is 6-10 and 220 lbs, and certainly has the potential to be a top defender like Ibaka, a dominant shot blocker and very good rebounder. Would like to see him not only make the team but also start at C:

PG - Mario Chalmers
SG - Dwyane Wade
SF - Lebron James
PF - Chris Bosh
C - Jarvis Varnado

With Varnado the Heat could be the top defensive team in the league.

Varnado got incredible timing 1

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiUU-RcE_2g[/youtube]

He is really skilled at blocking shot, maybe better than Joel.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXShZ4fqqUQ&feature=plcp[/youtube]