SPORTS
NBA draft update
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- Penney strikes deal with Timberwolves (August 29, 2003)
- Harris lands with Dallas (June 25, 2004)
- Senior guard named All-American (April 7, 2003)
- Penney leads countrymen into Goodwill consolation (September 7, 2001)
- Badger athletes earn All-Big Ten honors (November 19, 2002)
Thursday, July 3, 2003
Penney passed over
Former UW basketball star Penney was not selected in last Thursday night’s annual NBA Draft. Despite participating in individual workouts for the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks, teams decided to pass on the seasoned Kiwi and selected other players.
Despite not being chosen, Penney looks to reach the NBA as a rookie free agent, allowing the two time All-Big Ten selection to pick and chose his place when offers come his way. Penney is expected to join the Minnesota Timberwolves summer league team in Orlando, which does not affiliate Penney with the Wolves, but gives the former Badger a chance to compete with NBA players as a pseudo-tryout for NBA teams.
The Timberwolves meanwhile, selected fellow All-Big Ten first team member Rick Rickert with their second round pick. Rickert played only two seasons at the University of Minnesota and has been criticized for his decision to leave school early without truly becoming a dominant collegiate player.
Wade, Gaines selected in the first round
Marquette guard Dwyane Wade became the highest selected player ever from the state of Wisconsin when the Miami Heat took the junior with the No. 5 overall pick. Wade led the Golden Eagles of Marquette to the Final Four for the first time in 25 years. Averaging 21.5 points per game, Wade also became the first Marquette player to be named first team All-American over the same time span.
Louisville guard Reece Gaines was selected by the Orlando Magic with the 15th overall pick. Gaines, a native of Madison, played his high school ball at Madison West. Gaines averaged 17.9 points per game and five assists as a senior with Louisville. Gaines is considered a perfect fit for the Magic who were looking for a bigger guard who can play both the point and the two-spot. Gaines also will have the luxury of learning from head coach Doc Rivers who was a similarly sized player, as well as playing with NBA scoring leader Tracy McGrady.
-compiled by staff reports
