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Friday, Jun. 26, 2009

Bucks make Meeks 41st pick in NBA Draft

Louisville's Williams, Clark drafted in 1st round

Former University of Kentucky All-American Jodie Meeks was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks, 41st overall in Thursday's NBA Draft.

Meeks, an Associated Press second-team All-American, opted to forgo his senior season at UK to enter the draft.

He was the first Southeastern Conference player selected Thursday; Louisiana State's Marcus Thornton was selected a few spots after Meeks, 43nd overall to the Miami Heat.

Milwaukee, which went 34-48 in 2008-09, missed the playoffs. Former UK All-American Keith Bogans played last season for the Bucks but is now an unrestricted free agent.

"I'm happy for Jodie," UK Coach John Calipari said in a statement. "Milwaukee is a great city and organization. (Milwaukee Director of Player Personnel) Dave Babcock had been in touch with me during the week, so I knew how much they liked him. We wish him well."

Last season, Meeks transformed from an injury-prone player with potential to a second-team All-American. He led the Southeastern Conference in points per game last year, averaging 23.7 — good enough for eighth in the country.

On Jan. 13, he broke Dan Issel's 39-year-old school record for points in a game. Meeks lashed Tennessee for 54 points, setting the scoring record for any player at Thompson-Boling Arena. Meeks also set arena scoring records for all players at Arkansas' Bud Walton Arena (45) and for a UK player at Freedom Hall (46, against Appalachian State).

Meeks led the SEC in free-throw percentage (90.2 percent), three-pointers made (117) and three-point percentage (40.6 percent).

Former University of Louisville forwards Terrance Williams and Earl Clark were selected in the top 14 of the NBA Draft on Thursday.

Williams was taken 11th by the New Jersey Nets, and the Phoenix Suns selected Clark with the 14th pick.

An Associated Press third-team All-American his senior season, Williams averaged 12.5 points and 8.6 rebounds last year, second on the team in both categories to Clark. Williams led the Cardinals with 5.0 assists and 2.3 steals per game.

Williams' enthusiasm and all-around play became his hallmark at Louisville; he was in the national spotlight, yet he never scored more than 26 points in a college game.

"Wow. It's a dream come true," Williams told the Associated Press. "You get to live out a dream, be in this situation. I was on the phone with (President Rod) Mr. Thorn and (Coach Lawrence) Mr. Frank. Everything is up and up right now."

Clark, a 6-9 small forward, declared for the draft after spending three years at Louisville as a versatile forward capable of spreading the floor and attacking the basket.

"I think I've got a unique game. I'm just a basketball player. I've got a different game from everybody," Clark told the Arizona Republic. "I'm just excited about playing with Steve Nash and being in the NBA, measuring my game against other talent."

Clark led the Cards in both points (14.2 per game) and rebounds (8.7).