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