As Micheal Eric prepped for his NBA pre-draft workout with the Sixers on Saturday, he had the perfect man right in his cornerwho better than Lavoy Allen.A year ago, Allen, the current Sixer and former Temple center, found himself standing in the same shoes as Eric, his close friend, former teammate and old college roommate.The 6-foot-11 Eric showcased his game at the PCOM Center, the Sixers practice facility, with four other big men: Terrance Henry (Mississippi), Kyle OQuinn (Norfolk State), John Shurna (Northwestern) and Henry Sims (Georgetown) (see story).They did so in front of Sixers head coach Doug Collins, general manager Ed Thorn, Vice President of Basketball Operations Tony DiLeo and Director of Player Personnel Courtney Witte.The Sixers have the 15th overall pick in the June 28 draft as well as the 45th and 54th pick, and drafting big is what theyll most likely do early, and possibly late. We feel at our selections, theres talent there that can fill a need, Witte said. At this time last year, Allen was grinding through workouts and hoping to open eyes on the NBA radar, so when Eric was seeking advice, he knew the ideal person to contact.We were roommates for four years, Eric said.And during Allens first season in the NBA and Erics final year as an Owl, the two stayed in touch as if they were family. It was a great experience just with him being there as a big brother, Eric said. Age-wise, Im older than him, but he was a big brother, trying to teach me the ropes.So Allen offered him wise words of wisdomadvice that helped him work his way into the Sixers rotation and compete as a key contributor during the NBA playoffs after being selected 50th overall in the 2011 draft.He gave me a lot of advice, Eric said. Just pay attention to details and have patience. If things dont work out right away, still have patience, its gonna come through. I think thats the best advice a friend can give me and Ive been doing that. Ive listened to the details from my trainers and when I get out to the workouts, I just focus on what they want me to do and do it well.You wont find many NBA prospects vying for a draft spot as experienced and educated as Eric. The Nigeria native played four years at Temple and last season, he was a graduate student. Eric earned his bachelor's degree in advertising in May of 2011 and is currently pursuing his master's degree in adult and organizational development. His growth and maturation are apparent in multiple ways.Each season, the 240-pound centers production increased in scoring and rebounding. As you can see, Lavoys a prime example. He stayed all four years, Eric said. I think those are things kids need to learn nowadays, because when you go to college, college coaches teach you. When you come to the next level, they want you to perform.In 2011-12, Eric averaged nine points per game, 8.8 rebounds per game and blocked 39 shots despite missing 13 games with a fractured right patella, an injury that is completely healed.It feels great, Eric said. Its a great feeling to know that its finally healed up, the strength is back and I have a lot of bounce in my step now.But his development is also evident in his demeanor.Eric is articulate and speaks with emphasis, qualities that will certainly impress NBA personnel aside from his on-court skills. On the hardwood, Eric brings a high basketball IQ. The long and athletic big man understands his role, relishes the defensive side of the ball and isnt afraid to do the dirty work.Im very energetic, Im very loud on defense, I try my best to be the best teammate, he said. I come out here to just compete and competing means just being the nastiest player on defense against another big man, and thats all I do. Im not worried about scoring, Im not worried about putting up numbers, but Im worried about getting my team wins.And thats what Witte likes about Eric.Hes gotten better each year, Witte said. He brings defense, he brings a toughness, he brings something that NBA teams are looking for.E-mail Jordan Hall at jhall@comcastsportsnet.com