On an otherwise vacant concourse in the Huntsman Center, Bogut sat and answered questions in a quiet, not unpleasant, yeah-right-whatever tone, one that could have been taken or mistaken for indifference or reticence or arrogance, only because it likely was one of the three.

It could have been something else, though.

It could have been that Bogut has placed himself in a bubble, to insulate and isolate himself from the ridiculous process of being alternately probed and praised, dissected and disrespected by those whose responsibility it is to size him up like a Berkshire hog and decide whether he deserves the blue ribbon.

Maybe he's grown numb, internalizing all of the considerations, ramifications, evaluations, and accusations in regard to the dimensions of a professional fate that is hurtling toward him,

the throttle now fully open. He stands on the brink of becoming one of the top two picks in the draft - either by Milwaukee or Atlanta.

He says he has no clue which team will take him.

He says it doesn't matter.

He says he's just excited about playing in the NBA.

What he doesn't say is much more compelling.

He leaves it for us to read between the lines that he's weary of responding - at least with words - to skeptics who, despite what he's already shown on the court, think he might be unworthy of the top pick in the draft on account of:

a) a lack of lateral quickness.

b) a lack of overall speed.

c) a lack of athleticism.

d) a short upside.

e) a degenerative eye condition.

f) a less than perfect relationship with his former college coach Rick Majerus.

g) an underwhelming scouting report about him given by Majerus to his friends who own and run the Bucks.

h) a rumor that he is "soft."

The speed and quickness problems are documented to the extent that Bogut, according to published reports, did not exactly soar through his NBA combine drills, moving some to classify him as a big stiff whose languid movements will be quickly exposed, especially on defense. The 7-foot center did, however, score well on verticality tests.

"I am athletic," says Bogut. "I'll be more athletic [in the NBA] than I was [at Utah]. A lot of people say I'm not athletic. Here, I did what Coach Giacoletti asked me to do."

Some observers believe Bogut already is as good as he's going to get. They like his savvy, his passing, his rebounding, but they conclude he has filled the measure of his limited potential.

Bogut calls BS on that.

He claims he's getting stronger - "I've put on 20 pounds," he says - and transforming his large frame. He's been working out with personal trainers, and will continue a rigorous regimen, including polishing his on-court skills.

If there is a lockout, Bogut says he will use the extra time to further hone his game. He expects to see playing time right from the jump in either Milwaukee or Atlanta.

As for the comments by Majerus about his supposed degenerative eye condition, Bogut bailed on the subject. He's already denied that there are any troubles with his eyesight, and will not see his way clear to respond further.

Regarding other rumors spinning through the NBA that Bogut is "soft," he shrugs and points to his record on the court - at Utah and in international competition, where he played against older opponents. One team player-personnel executive recently inquired around as to whether the center is a . . . [vulgar term indicating a lack of toughness and testosterone].

"I just ignore rumors," Bogut says. "People have positive things to say, and negative things to say. I don't listen."

That, of course, is a lie. He does listen, or at least hear. And it bugs him, especially when they come from his former coach at Utah.

Only Majerus knows why he says what he says about Bogut. Perhaps he really believes that Marvin Williams - as he has said many times - is a superior pro prospect. Maybe he thinks he owes it to Bucks owner Herb Kohl, a longtime friend, to toss any suspicion about Bogut's shortcomings out into the open.

It's an intriguing philosophical discussion, what a former coach owes a former player, particularly a player who might have turned pro, out of frustration, had that coach returned at Utah.

There's no problem here with Majerus publicly speaking his mind. Only distrust. If he's not being disingenuous in so much plain speaking, let him speak away. But it's worth asking: Why does he buy into what he believes about Bogut when other talent scouts disagree?

No one but Majerus can answer.

Bogut says he doesn't care.

Either way, come draft night, guesses and allegations and motives no longer will matter.

Bogut is supremely confident that he properly should go No. 1 or No. 2. He'll take his newfound money and stuff much of it in the bank - "I'll save half of everything I earn," he says. "I'm not going to go crazy like some guys do" - and take his newfound opportunity, too, and make the most of it.

Whatever its dimensions.