The top three picks of the 2010 NBA Draft weren't much of a surprise, writes LatinoSports.com Associate Editor Bobby Ciafardini. PHOTO COURTESY OF NBA

NEW YORK – The NBA Draft has finally arrived, and although analysts have pegged this summer’s installment as a two-man party, don’t sleep on the 2010 edition of the league’s glimpse into the future.

LatinoSports.com was on the scene for the annual NYC extravaganza. Here’s an insider look at some of the latest news and notes.

As projected, the Washington Wizards selected John Wall with the No. 1 pick. He is the first Kentucky player in history to be taken No. 1. The Philadelphia 76ers followed with national player of the year Evan Turner from Ohio State, and with the third pick, the New Jersey Nets selected 18-year-old Derrick Favors from Georgia Tech.

Wall’s Star Shined Bright on Another NYC Night

John Wall addressed the media Wednesday at The Westin in Times Square, noting that he hadn't gotten much sleep in the days leading up to the NBA Draft. PHOTO BY OREN VOURMAN

Wall was so dominant on that memorable night in August that the crowd, including this reporter, could barely see it. With little standing room, Wall lit up the night sky. He looked like a man among boys. That’s been his story since Day 1. He’s always been ahead of the curve. He was last year at Kentucky. He was when he took the floor at the Elite 24, and now he’ll have a chance to shine in the L, sharing the backcourt with former All-Star turned gun-toting Wizard, Gilbert Arenas.

“I was emotional, almost brought tears to my eyes,” Wall said of being taken No. 1. “A couple years I had to sit back in the room watching LeBron (James) and Derrick Rose and Tyreke (Evans), and those guys and going up and shaking hands with David Stern means a lot.”

Welcome to the NBA Mr. Wall. You’ve been destined for this moment since that faithful August night at Rucker Park.   

Teammates Make History

John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins are the fifth pair of teammates selected in the Top Five since 2002. Cousins was taken fifth overall by Sacramento. UCLA’S Russell Westbrook (No. 4) and Kevin Love (No. 5) did it last in 2008.

Wall, Cousins and Patrick Patterson are the first Kentucky trio drafted in the first round since 1996, when Antoine Walker (No. 6), Tony Delk (No. 16) and Walter McCarty (No. 18) all went in the first round.  

“We have five players in the Draft this year, and hopefully all five of us can go in the first round,” Cousins said upon his selection. “I believe that’s never been done before. I mean, it’s a big day and they are still behind us right now, and they won’t stop texting and Tweeting and calling me, so this will be a big day.”

Turner Comes in Second

As projected, Evan Turner went second to Philadelphia. PHOTO BY OREN VOURMAN

Philly is hoping Turner can break that unfortunate streak and continue the trend of many second overall selections. The second pick has gone on to win the Rookie of the Year 15 times, including twice over the past six seasons.

As a junior in 2009-10, Turner won the John Wooden award, Naismith Trophy, Oscar Robertson Trophy, AP National Player of the Year and NABC Division I Player of the Year. He was also named 2010 Big Ten Player of the Year and Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player.  

“I’m definitely ready to earn my minutes and earn my keep, and also, you know, just be part of the team and work hard and play hard,” Turner said.

“I don’t have any pressure, I don’t think,” Turner added of playing in a large city like Philadelphia. “I have a lot of demands from myself, so I’m going to play hard and work hard, and I expect myself to be great and Philly especially to be great; and we have a mutual understanding.”  

Crowd Chants “KWAME”

If you’re a Wizards fan, just the sound of these next two words will be enough to make you cringe: Kwame Brown. Ooh, I know. Even Michael Jordan feels your pain. That’s the only big time shot he’s ever missed.

With Washington on the clock, the crowd at the Theater at Madison Square Garden Thursday night evoked memories of Kwame, chanting “KWAME!…KWAME!…KWAME!”

The Wiz, under MJ’s guidance, took Brown with the first overall pick in 2001. The high school senior never fulfilled his promise and was later traded.

Favors NJ Bound

“The Kid” is heading to Jersey.

Derrick Favors, who doesn’t turn 19 until July 15, is the youngest player in this year’s draft after being selected by the Nets with the No. 3 overall pick. Favors paced all ACC freshmen in scoring, rebounding, doubles-doubles, blocked shots and field goal percentage. He was named ACC Rookie of the Year and ACC All-Freshman by conference media.

“I didn’t know I was going to Nets,” Favors said. “I pretty much knew John (Wall) was going to go 1 and Evan (Turner) was going 2, but I had no idea I was going to the Nets, and when they called me, I was just excited.”   

Flashy Johnson Heading to Minny

Wesley Johnson couldn't help but flash his pearly white smile. PHOTO BY OREN VOURMAN

“Feelings right now, a big sigh of relief,” Johnson said. “My heart is going like a thousand miles per hour, I know that, until I heard my name, I knew it was going to be like that until I heard my name and had a big sigh of relief. All of that hard work and dedication night after night paid off.”     

Bobby Ciafardini is the Associate Editor for LatinoSports.com. He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .   

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites