Washington Wizards fans are yet to see their 2006 first-round pick in action, but Ukrainian forward Oleksiy Pecherov is confident his NBA debut will be worth the wait.

Pecherov was made the 18th overall pick by the Wizards last year, but stayed in Europe to play another season with BC Kyiv in his homeland.

The 2.10 meter, 210-pound Pecherov helped BC Kyiv clinch the regular-season crown in the

		Pecherov averaged 12 points and five rebounds per game in the EuroCup for BC Kyiv.

Ukrainian Superliga, but it would fall short in the championship series, losing to Azovmash.

Even so, the 21-year-old is sure he benefited from the extra year's experience.

"Last year was good for me," Pecherov said after a Monday workout with the Wizards.

"We played hard, we have a good coach and good players. We lost in the championship series, but I began to understand the game better and became a better team player."

Pecherov also played for BC Kyiv in the EuroCup, averaging 12 points and five rebounds per game as his team was eliminated in the first group stage.

"If you want to be a great player, you have to be good in all parts of the game," Pecherov added.

"I try to work hard on all of them: rebounding, shooting and defense. I like rebounding a lot and that is what I try to do in the game."

Even while locked in a title race in the Superliga, Pecherov did his best to follow the Wizards from afar and tracked the team as they made the play-offs, only to bow out after suffering injuries to stars Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler.

"It is difficult to see the game in Ukraine, but I followed the Wizards online," he said.

"They did a great job, but in the play-offs they lost important players to injuries, so it was tough to keep winning. I think they are doing a good job.

"I am looking forward to being on this team. I have all the confidence in my game and will try hard to help the Wizards win some games."