The blond highlights in the hair scream Hawaii. The tan doesn't hurt, either. But every so often, the vowels lengthen and the accent peeks out and it's then you remember the island Carl English hails from is Newfoundland, not Oahu.

English's journey from rural Patrick's Cove, Nfld., to Honolulu ? six and a half time zones ? has been well documented. After a workout with the Raptors yesterday, he's hoping to complete another journey, this one to the NBA.

The lone Canadian to have declared for this year's draft, English is hoping for a fairly high first-round pick but counting on a top-30 selection. He entered the draft after his junior year at the University of Hawaii, got himself an agent ? Canadian Harold Cipin ? and has said publicly that he'd like to play for the Raptors.

Since the Raptors have the fourth pick overall, and then don't get another selection until late in the second round, it seems unlikely ? to say the least ? that they'll take English as their first choice. And being a sensible lad from The Rock, English knows and accepts this.