Kentucky forward Anthony Davis is No. 1 in NBA Draft
Cleveland takes Waiters of Syracuse
6/28/2012NEWARK — The New Orleans Hornets have selected Kentucky forward Anthony Davis with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft.
Davis will begin his pro career in the same city where he ended it with a national title. College basketball's player of the year as a freshman was the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four despite shooting just 1 for 10 from the field in the championship game, grabbing 16 rebounds and blocking six shots in the victory over Kansas.
The 6-foot-10 Davis averaged 14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.7 blocks, becoming a dominant defender after growing 7 inches from the start of his junior year of high school.
He led off what could be a busy Thursday night for the Wildcats, who could have five first-round picks.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have selected Syracuse guard Dion Waiters with the No. 4 overall pick in the NBA draft.
The Cavs envision Waiters as a perimeter scorer and backcourt running mate for point guard Kyrie Irving, last year's No. 1 overall pick who didn't disappoint this season and was named rookie of the year.
Waiters didn't start a single game last season for the Orange, averaging 12.6 points in 37 games. At 6-foot-4, 221 pounds, he's not afraid to drive to the basket and many feel he's got a pro-ready game.
Despite numerous rumors the Cavs were trying to trade with Charlotte and move up to No. 2 and select guard Bradley Beal, but a deal never materialized.
The Cavs also own the No. 24 overall pick and two selections in the second round (Nos. 33 and 34).
The Detroit Pistons have selected Connecticut big man Andre Drummond with the ninth pick in the NBA draft.
The 6-foot-10, 270-pound Drummond averaged 10 points and 7.6 rebounds last season as an 18-year-old freshman for the Huskies. He'll join Brandon Knight and Greg Monroe — Detroit's last two first-round picks — as part of a young nucleus the Pistons hope they can build around. Detroit has missed the playoffs the last three seasons.
The Pistons took Knight last year at No. 8 when some of the top big men were already taken. Now they're adding another inside presence who may be able to make an impact down low alongside Monroe.