Wiggins goes No. 1 in NBA Draft, to Cavs; Embiid No. 3, to 76ers
A year ago, everyone said Andrew Wiggins would be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
On Thursday night, Andrew’s dream became reality and was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft. Wiggins becomes the first No. 1 pick out of Kansas since Danny Manning in 1988 (Los Angeles Clippers).
Joel Embiid was the definite No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft two weeks ago. Then during a pre-draft physical, the Cavs discovered that Embiid’s foot was broken. A coupled days later, Embiid had surgery.
On Thursday night, Embiid was drafted No. 3 overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. While he wasn’t drafted No. 1 overall, Embiid probably ended up in the best possible situation by avoiding Minnesota and Utah.
“It means a lot to our program,” Bill Self said after the two were drafted. “I wasn’t surprised about Wiggins, but I was pleasantly surprised for Joel and I’m proud of them both. The No. 1 tag is special, for all of the amazing players that have played at Kansas, we haven’t had a No. 1 in 26 years. Hopefully it won’t be another 26 years. But I would’ve been just as proud of (Andrew) if he had gone No. 2.”
According to Kansas athletics, Wiggins and Embiid were the 75th and 76th players drafted in Kansas men’s basketball history and the 17th and 18th pick in the Bill Self-era. They’re also the third and fourth top-three picks in Kansas, joining Manning and Raef LaFrentz. Kansas now has 30 first round picks all-time.
This is the fifth consecutive year that multiple Jayhawks were drafted.
“I was nervous. It (the clock) hit zero and we had to wait another two minutes. It’s crazy.” Wiggins smiled on the ESPN broadcast. “(I plan on) just going in and creating impact off the bat, play my game and have confidence in myself. I have to believe in myself before anyone else can.”
While Wiggins was all smiles after being drafted, Embiid was shown frowning in a satellite-delay on live television. Later, ESPN showed Embiid smiling and clapping.
“It is different (not being in New York) with the support. I wish I could be there but I’m excited,” Embiid said from his watch party in California. “The Sixers just took me and I still can’t believe it. I started playing basketball so late and just being here means that anything is possible.”
A third pick from this year’s Kansas team is possible as Tarik Black may be drafted in the second round.
