Prep players dominate draft
"It made me feel real special, all warm inside," Okafor deadpanned on a night when potential was valued more than experience and high schoolers were a hotter commodity than college kids.
High school senior Dwight Howard of Atlanta was chosen No. 1 by the Orlando Magic, becoming the third prep player in the past four years to be chosen first overall. The expansion Charlotte Bobcats scooped up Okafor at No. 2, getting the player they preferred all along.
"As far as them believing in me, it makes me feel good," Okafor said.
Eight high school players were chosen ahead of Jameer Nelson, the college player of the year who dropped to the Denver Nuggets at No. 20 and was subsequently dealt to Orlando for a future No. 1 pick.
The quest for youth brought an unfamiliar dynamic to a draft night that began with mystery, the identity of the Magic's pick a secret to almost everyone right up until commissioner David Stern walked onstage at Madison Square Garden and delivered the news.
When the pick was announced, Howard's family leaped out of their seats as Okafor's family applauded at the next table. The two players shook hands before Howard became the first player of the evening to be greeted by Stern.
A crowd of about 10,000 fans in Charlotte cheered when Okafor was not selected by the Magic, and owner Bob Johnson nodded his head and smiled. Fireworks then exploded, and orange and white confetti and streamers rained down on the cheering crowd.
Bobcats coach Bernie Bickerstaff said Magic general manager John Weisbrod "conveyed" to them Thursday morning that Howard would be their pick. Howard also said his agent was aware all day that he would go No. 1.
Okafor donned an orange Bobcats cap after the second pick was announced, and a large contingent of family and friends cheered loudly from the stands. One held up a sign reading "Okafor the Olympian," a recognition of Okafor's status as a finalist for the U.S. team that will compete in Athens.
Okafor, a junior, averaged 17.6 points for the national champion Connecticut Huskies, and his shot blocking ability and defensive prowess made him a consensus choice to be one of the top two picks.
His UConn teammate, Ben Gordon, went third to the Chicago Bulls, marking the second time in three years teammates have been selected second and third. Jay Williams and Mike Dunleavy of Duke had that distinction in 2002.
"Other people may be surprised, but I always thought I should go No. 1," Gordon said.
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