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Darko Milicic insists he never lost confidence despite the public scorn he endured as a member of the Detroit Pistons.

"I always knew I could play the game," the Orlando Magic player told Reuters in a locker-room interview on Tuesday. "I knew it was just a matter of working hard every day. That's why I didn't lose my confidence.

"I couldn't wait to get out of Detroit. I was just sitting on the bench. There was nothing there for me. I got the trade to Orlando, got a chance to play, and I showed some people what I could do."

Milicic has blossomed since being acquired by the Magic, averaging career highs of eight points and 5.5 rebounds this year. While those are not Hall of Fame numbers, the four-year NBA veteran is beginning to realise his enormous potential.

The seven-foot, 275-pound Serb was a laughing stock as a member of the Pistons but not just because he averaged 1.6 points during his 2 ? years there.

His greatest problem was having to live up to such lofty expectations, having been chosen second overall in the 2003 NBA Draft, ahead of Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.

"It's hard to compare me to those guys," he said. "They are All-Stars, they are great players. My story is so different. I'm just getting to play. I'm starting all over again."

Magic All-Star center Dwight Howard said despite Milicic's denial, the Serb had lost his courage while sitting on the bench in Detroit.

"He has confidence in himself now, that's the biggest thing," Howard said. "He works on his game, plays extremely hard and he knows we have confidence in him. He now has the confidence he was missing."

SPRAINS ANKLE

Milicic scored just four points and grabbed four rebounds during a 95-89 victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday as the Magic (39-42) continued to jockey for playoff position with only one game left.

He played only 11 first-half minutes before spraining his ankle and sitting out the rest of the game. But during his time on the floor, Milicic played recklessly, blocking shots, diving for loose balls and giving the Magic a much-needed defensive presence to complement Howard.

The Serb will be a restricted free agent after the season, meaning the Magic will have the right to match any offer he receives from other clubs. Two years ago, the thought of teams vying for his services was unthinkable.

"I don't see any way that Darko will be playing for anyone else," said Magic coach Brian Hill. "I've told him that already -- that he will be in a Magic uniform next year, one way or another. We anticipate him being a big part of our future."

Milicic, who will play for the Serbian national team this year, said he has more to prove.

"It's all up to me," he said. "It's all about how hard I want to work. I feel like this is my rookie season. I got more minutes this year, that's what I wanted.

"But I still have to prove myself night-by-night. This season was great but I still have to improve. I'm not happy with my performance. I've got to do more."