Pavel Podzokline, a 7-foot-5 Russian center, has vanished from the NBA Draft as quickly as he rose into lottery consideration.

Two days after being diagnosed with a pituitary-gland disorder and facing surgery, the 300-pound 18-year-old withdrew his name from Thursday's draft, saying he will return to his Italian team next season. Podzokline's decision shocked NBA GMs, went against his agent's wishes, and damaged the Knicks' draft status.

Before learning the news, Knicks GM Scott Layden said yesterday he had scheduled a second workout with the Russian battleship for next week. His withdrawal hurts the Knicks because not only won't they have a shot at him, but it's less likely Georgetown power forward Mike Sweetney or Central Michigan center Chris Kaman will drop to pick No. 9.

All three players were on Layden's wish list. Layden might have to trade up for a big man, revealing there was "a pick to be had" in the top 8, perhaps referring to No. 4 Toronto.