The NBA-drafted foreigner who commands the most intrigue, from this perch, doesn't come from China or the former Soviet republic of Georgia or even Yugoslavia, which supplied the Mavericks' latest overseas import.

It's a Brazilian, believe it or not.

The 2002 draft will always belong to Yao Ming, because he's the No. 1 pick and because he's not from this country. Yet, it's still only the Brazilian, Maybyner "Nene" Hilario, 19, whose development will impact the future of two franchises.