Congratulations Terrence and Tony
The 2012 NBA draft concluded last night and the UW Huskies men’s basketball program hit it big in New Jersey.
Both of last year’s standout players, Terrence Ross and Tony Wroten, were drafted in the first round, giving Coach Romar NINE former players now in the NBA, 6 in the first round, and the first time ever that 2 Huskies were selected in the 1st round.
Not too shabby, eh?
Both Ross and Wroten are going to make an immediate impact on their new teams.
Let me tell you why.
Terrence Ross
Terrence Ross went #8 to Toronto in the 2012 NBA Draft
Ross was drafted 8th overall by the Toronto Raptors. While many may think this was a reach, little do they know what Ross brings to the table. Ross was widely known as one of the top 3 shooters in the entire draft pool.
Ross demonstrated the potential to be a star, but often times let Tony Wroten take over games, not always benefiting the team.
If Ross can step up and be “that guy” then he can certainly shine for the Raptors.
The Raptors were looking for someone who could shoot from the perimeter and Terrence Ross fits that need perfectly. They got the wing man they were looking for to compliment DeMar DeRozan and help the team’s pitiful scoring numbers.
Last season, Ross shot .457 from the field, .371 from 3 point range and .766 from the free throw line. He averaged 16.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game for the Huskies.
With the Raptors roster looking pretty shaky, Ross has a very likely chance to be starting in The Queen City next season.
Terrence Ross is the 4th highest drafted Husky hooper in history behind Bob Houbregs (who went 3rd to Milwaukee in 1953, Detlef Schrempf who went 8th to Dallas in 1985, and Brandon Roy who went 6th to Minnesota in 2006.
Tony Wroten
Wroten was drafted 25th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies. One of the most polarizing figures in Husky hoops history, Wroten will have plenty of work to do in Memphis to get in the starting lineup.
The possibility of OJ Mayo leaving Memphis this offseason had them looking for a scorer and Wroten will be just that despite his troubles.
His versatility going to the rim is unmatched, but Tony Wroten couldn’t perfect his shot in the college level.
That’s his biggest knock and if he can work on his shot, he could be mildly successful in Memphis.
If he can improve his horrendous free throw shooting, he would greatly increase his chances.
Last season, Wroten shot .443 from the field, .161 from 3 point range and .583 from the free throw line. He averaged 16 points per game and 5 rebounds per game.
If Wroten can put serious work into improving his shooting, free throws, and ball control, he has the potential to be a future NBA star.
Only time will tell.
Congratulations Terrence and Tony, Husky nation is proud and rooting for you in the NBA!
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About Brandon Choate
