For the first time in NBA draft history, the first three picks were college players who just completed their freshmen years. The Chicago Bulls chose Memphis guard Derrick Rose as the first pick overall. He was followed by Kansas State's Michael Beasley, who went to the Miami Heat, and O.J. Mayo of the University of Southern California who was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
"We actually talked about this earlier," Beasley said. "We all grew up together and we all grew up playing against each other and we all made a pact together that we would all be here. Just to see it all fall into place and see it all happen is kind of crazy."
Five of the top seven selections were freshmen, as were 10 of the first round draftees, both NBA records. More information can be found on the Official Home Page of the NBA.
Draft 2008 Lottery Picks (courtesy of NBCSports.com):
"We actually talked about this earlier," Beasley said. "We all grew up together and we all grew up playing against each other and we all made a pact together that we would all be here. Just to see it all fall into place and see it all happen is kind of crazy."
Five of the top seven selections were freshmen, as were 10 of the first round draftees, both NBA records. More information can be found on the Official Home Page of the NBA.
Draft 2008 Lottery Picks (courtesy of NBCSports.com):
1. Bulls, Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis.
2. Heat, Michael Beasley, PF, Kansas State.
3. Timberwolves, O.J. Mayo, SG, USC.
4. Sonics, Russell Westbrook, G, UCLA.
5. Grizzlies, Kevin Love, C, UCLA.
6. Knicks, Danilo Gallinari, SF, Italy.
7. Clippers, Eric Gordon, G, Indiana.
8. Bucks, Joe Alexander, SF, West Virginia.
9. Hornets, D.J. Augustin, PG, Texas.
10. Nets, Brook Lopez, C, Stanford.
11. Pacers (later sent to Portland), Jerryd Bayless, G, Arizona.
12. Kings, Jason Thompson, PF, Rider.
13. Blazers (later sent to Indiana), Brandon Rush, SG, Kansas.
