Jason Thompson likely would be a Golden State Warrior had the Kings not selected him 12th in the NBA draft.

Golden State took skinny but skilled 6-foot-11 forward-guard Anthony Randolph out of LSU with the 14th choice. Randolph can handle the ball like a guard, and if he gets into the physical condition required to play in a Don Nelson system, the 19-year-old could contribute this season.

Thompson, however, brings similar versatility, along with 250 pounds and the maturity of a 22-year-old (Monday was his birthday).

Thompson can rebound, dribble, pass and shoot. As with all rookies, defense will be a work in progress. Golden State vice president Chris Mullin had his eyes on him for several reasons.

"We liked him," Mullin said of Thompson, who graduated from Rider University in New Jersey. "We liked him a lot because of his running, his handle and his ability to post up and step outside. We had him in (for workouts) twice. … I think the Kings got a good player."

Wednesday, the Kings also came to terms with another good player in little-known Bobby Brown, who played at Cal State Fullerton and outperformed more heralded point guards Mike Conley Jr. and D.J. Augustin in the Las Vegas summer league while playing with New Orleans' entry.

Brown is a strong and quick if smallish (6-foot-2) defender with a good perimeter shot. His ability to stick with the Kings would add depth at point with starter Beno Udrih and rookie Sean Singletary. Singletary also defends well on the perimeter but might not be Brown's equal as an outside shooter.

Schmidt did it all on way to Hall

Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt was at Raley Field on Friday to speak about prostate issues, but baseball never is far away.

During the 1970s and '80s, Schmidt, a career-long member of the Philadelphia Phillies, not only was one of the game's best players, but also almost uniformly considered to be baseball's best athlete. Schmidt had the entire package – power, speed, quickness and skill.

"The one thing I didn't do was hit for average," said the career .267 hitter, "… but that was considered pretty good for a power hitter."

Schmidt said there were a number of great athletes during his 17 big-league seasons and the name Bonds immediately came to mind – not Barry, but his late father, Bobby.

"They always talk about five tools, and Bobby had them all," Schmidt said.

Schmidt was impressed with Raley Field.

"This is as nice a park as I've seen," said Schmidt, who is on a minor-league tour to increase awareness of prostate health issues. "I could work here in a second."

Said Schmidt, who lives in Jupiter, Fla.: "By the way, if you could get me a seven-figure contract, that'd be pretty good, too."

Ticha the quiet resident vet

It seems like just a few years ago when Jerry Reynolds selected Ticha Penicheiro out of Old Dominion in the WNBA draft. However, that was 11 years ago.

"I'm like the grandma around here now," said Penicheiro, whose Monarchs take on the Phoenix Mercury this morning at Arco Arena. "After 11 years, you have to enjoy yourself, and that's what I tell the rookies. We have four of them, and they are eager to learn."

Penicheiro, L.A.'s Lisa Leslie and Mwade Mabika spent 11 years with just one team, while Tina Thompson is in her 12th season with the Houston Comets, with Mabika now a teammate.

The Monarchs are in position to make the playoffs again despite being a team in transition.

"We have these fresh legs," Penicheiro said, "but to beat teams we have to outwork them."

Call The Bee's Martin McNeal, (916) 326-5504.