Headed to the NBA

BY Staff Reports
Friday, June 25, 2010
6/25/10 at 9:20 AM

Eight players with ties to Oklahoma were taken during Thursday's NBA draft. A look at those players and the teams that selected them:

6. Ekpe Udoh (Golden State)

College/local tie: Baylor (Edmond Santa Fe)

Quick take: According to ESPN's Chad Ford, the Warriors have liked Udoh ever since 6-foot-11 Greg Monroe of Georgetown had a poor workout with them and Udoh had a good one. Udoh's stock has been rising ever since Baylor's run to the Elite Eight. Monroe went on the seventh pick to Detroit.

12. Xavier Henry (Memphis)

College/local tie: Kansas (Putnam City)

Quick take: The Grizzlies needed to upgrade their outside shooting capabilities and draft experts had Henry rated as the best one available. In his only college season, he shot 41.8 percent from 3-point range.

20. James Anderson (San Antonio)

College/local tie: Oklahoma State

Quick take: Anderson goes to a marquee franchise and the Spurs get a proven scorer with NBA shooting range who can make teams pay when they double down on Tim Duncan.

29. Daniel Orton (Orlando)

College/local tie: Kentucky (OKC Bishop McGuinness)

Quick take: Many had Orton projected higher, but questions lingered about a high school knee injury and limited playing time during his only college season. The Magic has plenty of big men, and that means time for Orton to work on his game, probably in the D-League.

SECOND ROUND

44. Jerome Jordan (Milwaukee)

College/local tie: Tulsa

Quick take: Jordan had roughly 15 minutes as a Buck before rumors circulated that the Knicks bought his contract. He's the first TU player drafted since Michael Ruffin in '99.

47. Tiny Gallon (Milwaukee)

College/local tie: Oklahoma

Quick take: Gallon hopes to leave his college woes behind. The Bucks need to develop long-term depth at center, and the powerful Gallon might fill the bill.

48. Latavious Williams (Miami)

College/local tie: Tulsa 66ers

Quick take: Williams had his bags packed, but a late-night trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder could mean more time in Tulsa.

54. Willie Warren (L.A. Clippers)

College/local tie: Oklahoma

Quick take: Warren's draft stock plummeted with a disappointing sophomore season, but he has explosive offensive ability. If he makes the team, he'll be reunited with former OU teammate Blake Griffin.

Associated Images:

JAMES GIBBARD/Tulsa World

STEPHEN HOLMAN/Tulsa World