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The Cavaliers knew they had a project on their hands when they drafted J.J. Hickson with the 19th pick in the 2008 NBA draft. The 19-year-old forward was just a year removed from high school, making him one of the most unpolished prospects coming out of college. But the Cavaliers didn’t draft him on what he was at the time, they drafted him on what he could become in the future.

“He clearly has the potential to be a very good NBA player,” said General Manager Danny Ferry at the time. “Now it’s up to him and us to work on some things and get better.”

Hickson’s rookie season for the Cavaliers was hindered by his lack of familiarity with the NBA game. He averaged just four points for the year and rarely cracked Mike Brown’s rotation.

 ”Last year I was playing on egg shells,” said Hickson. ”But I think this year I’m more comfortable with the offensive schemes and I’m a little bit more comfortable with the players I’m playing with.”

One of those players is LeBron James, who tutored the young forward for the majority of this past summer.

“Everywhere I went, I had him with me working out with me because I knew the potential that he had,” said James. ”And he’s definitely implementing everything he learned this summer from myself and from himself, and doing it on the court.”

Hickson scored in double-figures in the team’s first three preseason games, which were all victories. In six games he has averaged 9.8 points and shot nearly 52 percent from the field. He has been consistent around the basket, showing off the inside skills he improved on all summer.

The Cavaliers traded Ben Wallace this off season, which could make Hickson starting forward Anderson Varejao’s primary backup. If that is the case, he will be counted on by his teammates nightly to make plays.

“The main thing everyone’s stressing to me is be consistent,” said Hickson, who is the youngest player on Cleveland’s roster.

With talented forwards like Darnell Jackson and Jawad Williams following close behind him, Hickson will have little room for growing pains. Jackson and Williams will be ready for their opportunity to play if Hickson struggles or goes down with an injury. Injuries are always a concern with athletes and Hickson is no different. A back injury ended his season last year in early April, but plenty of rehab over the summer has him in good condition.

“The back feels great.” said Hickson. “I’m back to 100 percent.”

Good news for the former McDonald’s All-American, who seems ready for a breakout season. Although he would love to see major floor minutes in his sophomore season, Hickson is ready to help his team in any way possible. He will continue to work hard and take in the knowledge that his teammates feed him.

“I’m like a sponge,” said Hickson. ”I’m just soaking everything up right now.”

Hickson is a rare talent, with abilities few in the NBA possess. If he blossoms into the star he can become, then the  summer of 2009 may be looked back on as the definitive off season in J.J. Hickson’s career.