CLIPPERS UPDATE: CHALLENGE EXCITES KOROLEV RUSSIAN TEEN'S POTENTIAL TURNS CLIPPERS INTO BELIEVERS.

Byline: Earl Williams Staff Writer

Life in Russia might be far different than in Los Angeles, and the NBA is a world away from CSKA Moscow, but Yaroslav Korolev - taken by the Clippers with the 12th selection in Tuesday's NBA Draft - says he's up to the challenge of competing on his sport's biggest stage.

That's what Clippers brass, who passed on several quality college players to draft the 18-year-old forward, want to hear.

``He reads the passing lanes very well,'' said coach Mike Dunleavy, who likes the 6-foot-9 Korolev's youth, versatility and potential. ``He has a high IQ. He gets his hands on a lot of balls. He can block shots from the weak side.''

Defending in the post is one of the areas Korolev needs to work on, Dunleavy said, and his ability to play defense at the NBA level likely will determine where he plays next season. The Clippers could have him play another season, or longer, in Europe before bringing him to the NBA.

``That's what we'll be looking for from (Korolev), if he can hold his own defensively,'' general manager Elgin Baylor said. ``We know he can pass, shoot the ball and run. But defense is the key.''

Korolev, who met the media Wednesday at a Staples Center news conference, averaged 15.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.8 steals while averaging 25.3 minutes per game last season in the Russian Junior League.

``That level of competition, believe it or not, is on the same level of high school, and to some degree a little higher, because he plays with (CSKA's) senior team and junior team,'' Baylor said. ``Generally, those kids play with both levels. When they are 15 to 18, once in a while, they are sent up to the older team and play. He went up there and played well.''

The Clippers aren't concerned about Korolev's size - he carries 203 pounds - but Baylor noted ``he can get stronger.''

Said Korolev: ``I was on the senior team in Moscow. So I was playing against old guys that are strong. I will do the best I can.''

Korolev, who speaks English and a little Spanish, is expected to return Saturday to Europe to play with CSKA in the national tournament. Then he'll likely be tested next month at the Summer Pro League in Las Vegas.

If he makes the Clippers' roster - Dunleavy said a decision would be made by the start of camp in October - his parents, Igor and Svetlana, will join him in Los Angeles.

Associated Press contributed.

Earl Williams, [phone]

earl.williams(at)presstelegram.com