The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Record-setting NBA Draft for Men's Basketball
06.28.2006 | Men's Basketball
AUSTIN, Texas -- There was a strong presence of burnt orange in New York City on Wednesday night.
Since the NBA Draft began in 1947, Texas had produced a pair of draftees on six different occasions. But on Wednesday at historic Madison Square Garden, the Longhorns one-upped that previous record.
For the first time in school history, The University of Texas had three players selected in the same NBA draft.
"Tonight was an excellent night for our program," said head coach Rick Barnes, who was at the draft as a guest of LaMarcus Aldridge. "Truth be told, to have three guys taken in one draft is pretty impressive."
The night started quickly for the Longhorns, as Aldridge was selected as the No. 2 overall pick by the Chicago Bulls. With the selection, Aldridge became the highest draft pick in UT history, topping LaSalle Thompson's selection at No. 5 by Kansas City in 1982. Aldridge's rights were later traded to Portland.
"It meant a lot for LaMarcus to ask me to be in the Green Room with him, his family and his high school coach, Robert Allen," Barnes said. "The fans of our program should really know that LaMarcus has a sincere appreciation for The University of Texas."
The excitement for Texas fans continued in the second round, when both P.J. Tucker (No. 35 to Toronto) and Daniel Gibson (No. 42 to Cleveland) had their names announced.
Texas now has had a total of 33 former players selected in the NBA Draft, including seven first-round picks and 10 second-round selections. Eight Longhorns have been picked in the last eight years dating back to the 1999 Draft.
No. 2 pick LaMarcus Aldridge ended up with Portland after being picked by Chicago.
