Bucks focus on Joe Alexander as forward returns for second visit

Joe Alexander of West Virginia?

No one was willing to go that far yet at the team's practice facility Monday, but it has become clear that the Bucks have more than a casual interest in the 6-foot-8 forward because he was back for a second visit with the team.

The Bucks worked out six other draft prospects Monday, but the most interest was generated by the team's decision to bring back Alexander for further conversation. Alexander, who was one of the first players the Bucks worked out in preparation for the draft, is now being projected as a possible top 10 pick.

The Bucks did not announce that Alexander was back, but coach Scott Skiles spoke briefly about him when the subject came up.

"We wanted to have another conversation with him," Skiles said. "There were just some other things that we wanted to ask him. We got an opportunity to visit with him last time, and there are some things that we want to talk to him about."

Skiles said that LSU forward Anthony Randolph, another player the Bucks like, had not been back.

Alexander was not available for comment.

Skiles was asked if Alexander's return indicated that the team had a high level of interest in him.

"Or that we had comfort level with a couple of the other guys and we may need some more time to sort the whole thing out," Skiles said.

Working out for the Bucks on Monday were Ramel Bradley of Kentucky, Gary Forbes of Massachusetts, James Gist of Maryland, Stefhon Hannah of Missouri, Damjan Rudez of Croatia and Mark Tyndale of Temple. All might be available when the Bucks use their 37th overall pick Thursday.

"There's a lot of rumors, of course," Skiles said. "But a lot of times, 48 or 72 hours before the draft, things start heating up a little bit and sometimes the picture can become a little more clear as far as what teams in front of you are doing. So that's the window that we're in right now. We're getting close."

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