Prince has mentor in Yankees' Joba

Prince Amukamara may not have known much about the Giants before he was drafted by them Thursday night, but the cornerback at least will have a familiar face on the landscape of New York pro sports. Turns out the Giants' first-round pick is chummy with Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain. They got to know each other while Amukamara was playing for Nebraska and Chamberlain, a former Nebraska pitcher, would train there during his offseason.

"Great athlete, but more importantly, he's a great person," said Chamberlain, who spoke with Amukamara on Thursday night and again Friday. "Good kid, great family."

Amukamara, who many (including the Giants) believed would be a top-10 pick, fell to the Giants at 19. He said he had "Brady Quinn visions" while he slid down the first round, watching teams pass him by and waiting in the green room at Radio City Music Hall.

"It's one of those things where he's expected to go in a certain place but he didn't go there," Chamberlain said. "Speaking from experience, I kind of know how that feels. But also he has a lot to prove now, especially with a team that has good corners already."

Chamberlain said Amukamara jokingly asked him if he is looking for a roommate. He said he'll help the Giants rookie with the transition from living in Nebraska to the big city. And although he hasn't addressed it yet, he'll eventually get around to advice on how to deal with being a pro athlete in New York.

"There'll come a time where I'll sit down and let him know what to expect, just to be prepared for what's going to come on," he said. "It's a different place than any other place . . . Any advice you can get in a new situation is always beneficial. I've kind of been through it all in 41/2 years. So I feel like I can give some constructive criticism and advice to better his career and get him off to a great start."

With Erik Boland

SEE PHOTOSHit or miss: Giants 1st-round picks since 1986