Most NBA mock drafts had D.J. Augustin going in the first round at the 11th spot to Indiana but when the Pacers picked up another former Longhorn - T.J. Ford - in a trade last night, Augustin was expected to slide. Instead he moved up into the Top 10. Charlotte took D.J. at the #9 spot in the first round.
For the third year in a row, a Longhorn basketball player went in the Top 10 picks in the NBA draft.
Coach Larry Brown and GM Michael Jordan - a couple of UNC alums, took D.J. despite having another young point guard from North Carolina (Raymond Felton) already on the roster. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith asked Augustin about playing for the demanding and nomadic Brown. Augustin replied: "I’m used to playing for tough coaches. (Texas) coach (Rick) Barnes is a tough coach. I’m ready to take on the challenge."
Augustin is the 5th Longhorn this decade to not only go in the NBA Lottery, but to be among the Top 10 picks.
2000 - Chris Mihm, 7th overall selection by Chicago, who traded his rights to Cleveland
2003 - T.J. Ford, 8th overall selection by Milwuakee
2006 - LaMarcus Aldridge, 2nd overall selection by Chicago, who traded his rights to Portland
2007 - Kevin Durant, 2nd overall selection to Seattle.