el-capitano
01 Jul 2009, 09:37 PM
Who did the aussie end up getting picked up by in the draft?
Portland Trailblazers select Patrick Mills in NBA draft (http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25693713-5001023,00.html)
IT came much later than predicted, but Australian point guard Patty Mills was finally selected with the 55th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Portland Trailblazers on Friday.
The 20-year-old had been tabbed as a likely late first-round or early second-round pick, but he slid all the way to No.55 in a draft that features just 60 picks at New York's Madison Square Garden.
Best known for his exploits at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the lightning-quick guard had his draft chances hurt by a broken hand during his recently-completed second season at St Mary's College in California.
Unlike first-round picks, players drafted in the second round don't receive guaranteed contracts. But Mills will be given every opportunity to join compatriots Andrew Bogut and Nathan Jawai in the world's premier basketball league.
Former college stand-out and current ESPN basketball analyst Jay Bilas was surprised Mills slipped so low.
"He can be a solid back-up point guard in the NBA and honestly I'm surprised that he didn't go a lot higher in this draft," he said.
"I thought he would be a late first-round pick or pretty early in the second round.
"But I think this young man can play in the NBA."
Portland Trailblazers select Patrick Mills in NBA draft (http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25693713-5001023,00.html)
IT came much later than predicted, but Australian point guard Patty Mills was finally selected with the 55th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Portland Trailblazers on Friday.
The 20-year-old had been tabbed as a likely late first-round or early second-round pick, but he slid all the way to No.55 in a draft that features just 60 picks at New York's Madison Square Garden.
Best known for his exploits at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the lightning-quick guard had his draft chances hurt by a broken hand during his recently-completed second season at St Mary's College in California.
Unlike first-round picks, players drafted in the second round don't receive guaranteed contracts. But Mills will be given every opportunity to join compatriots Andrew Bogut and Nathan Jawai in the world's premier basketball league.
Former college stand-out and current ESPN basketball analyst Jay Bilas was surprised Mills slipped so low.
"He can be a solid back-up point guard in the NBA and honestly I'm surprised that he didn't go a lot higher in this draft," he said.
"I thought he would be a late first-round pick or pretty early in the second round.
"But I think this young man can play in the NBA."