Claxton has moved into the first round with strong performances at pre-draft camps.

"Our school is not known for basketball so it was hard to get noticed, says Claxton. With the way I am sitting right now, I would do it again. It really worked out in my favor."

Claxton, who recently joined ESPN.com users in an online chat, is projected by many to go to the Toronto Raptors with the 21st pick in the NBA Draft. But he says not to pay too much attention to what anybody says.

"That is just one person's opinion. I don't listen to it too much. It is nice to have my name up there but I am just going to wait until it actually happens."

As for what he says about himself and the rest of the point guards in the draft?

"I rank myself at the head of the class!"

In case you missed Claxton's June 23 chat, the following is an edited transcript.

nykfandan: Speedy, It seems that Knicks GM Scott Layden can't say enough good things about you. Have you worked out for the Knickerbockers, and is NY somewhere you would like to play in the pros?

Craig "Speedy" Claxton: I worked out for them this morning and I got a chance to talk to Layden and Van Gundy. It would be a place I would want to play in absolutely.

Sugar Jay: Who would you compare yourself to in the NBA today?

Craig "Speedy" Claxton: I would say Chucky Atkins, a guy who brings a lot to the table.

David in SB: Mr. Claxton, I'm a big Clippers fan and have heard that you and Lamar Odom are friends. What has he told you about the draft and have you talked to him about the possibility of being a Clipper? Good luck on Wednesday and GO CLIPPERS!

Craig "Speedy" Claxton: I talked to him about two weeks ago and he said he went into the front office and told them he would like to play with me again. I wouldn't mind playing with him again too. We will just have to wait and see what happens.

George cuddy: Who are you most looking forward to playing against in the NBA?

Craig "Speedy" Claxton: I'm looking forward to playing against Allen Iverson. He seems like he would be the hardest person to guard. I'm really looking forward to that.

Olivier Tesniere: Are you paying attention to the mock drafts?

Craig "Speedy" Claxton: A little bit but not too much. That is just one person's opinion. I don't listen to it too much. It is nice to have my name up there but I am just going to wait until it actually happens.

More on 'Speedy'

Claxton was named Honorable Mention All-America by The Associated Press as a senior and became just the fourth player in school history to surpass 2,000 points, finishing with 2,015. He was twice named America East Player of the Year, as a senior and as a sophomore and concluded his career as Hofstra's all-time leader in assists with 660 and steals with 288. Also holds the record for steals in a season with 102. As a senior, Claxton led the Flying Dutchmen to the NCAA Tournament where he tallied 20 points, seven assists, four rebounds and three steals in a first round loss to Oklahoma State. He ranked ninth in the nation in scoring (22.8 ppg) and had a streak of six straight games with at least 29 points. He finished tied for 28th in the nation in assists with an average of 6.0 apg and was seventh in the nation in steals (3.3 spg). Claxton is projected to go to the Toronto Raptors and fill their point guard needs with the No. 21 pick in ESPN.com's Andy Katz's 2000 mock draft.

Ryszard Trawicki: How did you get the nickname Speedy?

Craig "Speedy" Claxton: I got the name in 8th grade from my old AAU coach Artie Cox.

Flying Dutchmen Fan: Coach Wright must be one of the most sought after coaches in the game. How much longer do you think he will stay at Hofstra and where do you think he will eventually end up? Thanks.

Craig "Speedy" Claxton: I give him another year or two. He's a great coach and he is young so a lot of people will be after him. He loves Hofstra but he will have to move on sooner or later.

SpeedyFan: How did you get so quick? Were you just born with the quickness or did you have to work at it? Thanks in advance.

Craig "Speedy" Claxton: I was just born with it. It is a God-given talent.

Zo from Manila, Philippines: I heard you got some mad hops. Do you expect to get invited to the NBA slam dunk contest and have a chance to show your stuff?

Craig "Speedy" Claxton: It's a possibility. It would depend on if I catch a nice dunk next year!

Michael Lang: Is there any one team you've always dreamed of playing for?

Craig "Speedy" Claxton: When I was growing up it was the New York Knicks. Still is.

Ben: If you had your choice - any team in the NBA - what team would you have draft you?

Craig "Speedy" Claxton: If I had my choice I would stay right here and play for New York.

Goldenlion: Every scout in America has had something to say about your game and where you fit in the draft. If you were a scout, how would you scout yourself, and were do you feel you fit in the draft?

Craig "Speedy" Claxton: I would scout myself just like they have. I think I could go somewhere in the middle to the end of the first round.

Steve: Speedy, What do you think of the Raptors with Vince Carter and Lenny Wilkens now? Does a coach influence where you would like to go?

Craig "Speedy" Claxton: It can have a big influence. They have a great player and a great coach so they will be trouble.

Thad Brown: Hey, Speedy. I had a great time watching and covering you at Hofstra. You're a class act. Do you think it was tougher to make an impression coming from a school with no NBA history? And how many Wayne Chrebet references have you heard? Good luck. All of us Flying Dutchmen are rooting for you.

Craig "Speedy" Claxton: Yes, definitely. Our school is not known for basketball so it was hard to get noticed. I've heard a couple Chrebet references but not too many. I guess because he was a football player.

Don: How did your one-on-one with Eric Barkley go?

Craig "Speedy" Claxton: We didn't play one-on-one. It was just a little workout. I don't know how that rumor started. But it was just a workout.

Stephen: Looking back on the decision, what can you say about your choice to go to Hofstra?

Craig "Speedy" Claxton: With the way I am sitting right now, I would do it again. It really worked out in my favor.

Matt Chaparro: What qualities will you bring to an NBA franchise?

Craig "Speedy" Claxton: I think my toughness and eagerness to compete. I can definitely bring that.

Danny: Congratulations on a great career. How do you rank yourself among the point guards in this year's draft?

Craig "Speedy" Claxton: I rank myself at the head of the class!

Cody: What do you think about the mass exodus of underclassmen and high school seniors into the draft?

Craig "Speedy" Claxton: I guess it is getting to a point where everybody is doing it, like it is the thing to do. But who am I to say it is wrong? If I had the chance, I probably would do it too.

Thanks for sending in the questions today. My flight is boarding so I have to go! Thanks!