BC can claim another NBA player, as Olynyk drafted
Posted June 27, 2013 8:33 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
BROOKLYN, NY (NEWS1130) – Seven-footer Kelly Olynyk of Kamloops was chosen 13th overall at the NBA draft by Dallas and then quickly traded to Boston. Brampton, Ontario’s Anthony Bennett was the first pick by Cleveland.
Bennett is the first Canadian to ever go first overall. The six-foot-eight, 240 pound power forward played a year at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. He joins Tristan Thompson, also of Brampton, on the Cavaliers. Thompson was taken fourth in the 2011 draft, which was the previous high for a Canadian.
Olynyk made himself eligible for selection after his junior season at Gonzaga University in Spokane, where he led the Bulldogs to a number one ranking during the college basketball season.
He averaged 17.6 points and 7.3 rebounds for the Bulldogs in 32 games.
On his Twitter account @KellyOlynyk said, “Thanks to everyone on the well wishes for tonight! Excited and ready to see what the future has in store!”
The Celtics gave up a pair of second round draft picks and fellow seven-foot-centre Lucas Nogueira of Brazil to get Olynyk.
It is the first time two Canadians have gone in the first round.
