The Charlotte Bobcats selected DJ Augustin out of Texas and Alexis Ajinca from France on Thursday night in the First Round of the 2008 NBA Draft. The Bobcats used their Second Round pick on Kyle Weaver out of Washington State.
Below are the players profiles (from NBA.com) of First Round picks Augustin and Ajinca –
DJ Augustin
Career Highlights: Earned Consensus First Team All-American honors as a sophomore. Was also a finalist for the Naismith and Wooden Awards, and received the Bob Cousy Award as the nation’s top point guard. Earned First Team All-Big 12 honors as a sophomore and was named Second Team All-Conference as a freshman. Finished collegiate career as the fifth all-time leader in Texas history in assists (452), fourth in three-point field goal percentage (.402), ninth in free throw percentage (.808) and 18th in scoring (1,234 points).
Strengths: Plays with poise and confidence at the point. Quick with the ball, and can penetrate and finish with floaters. Shoots the ball well, especially off the dribble.
Personal: Earned First Team Academic All-American honors as a sophomore. Spent first three years at Brother Martin High School in New Orleans before being forced to relocate to the Houston area due to Hurricane Katrina. Played his senior season at Fort Bend Hightower before returning to New Orleans to receive his high school diploma from Brother Martin. Majoring in education. Favorite food is salmon. Also plays the drums.
Alexis Ajinca
Career Highlights: Grew up playing in France as an amateur at Centre Federal (INSEP) in the French NM1 League before making his professional debut in 2006-07. Started pro career with Pau-Orthez before moving to Hyeres-Toulon in 2007-08. A member of the French U19 National Team. Helped lead France to the bronze medal at the 2007 U-19 World Championship held in Novi Sad, Serbia, averaging 7.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.7 blocked shots. Was a member of the gold medal-winning French team at the 2006 U-18 European Championship held in Amaliada, Greece, averaged 6.9 points and 7.5 rebounds. Averaged 4.5 points and 4.9 rebounds with France at the 2005 U-18 European Championship held in Belgrade, Serbia. Was a member of the French team that captured the 2004 European U-16 Championship held in Greece. Tallied 13 points, nine rebounds and three blocked shots for the World Select Team at the 2008 Nike Hoop Summit held in Portland, Oregon. Registered 13 points, nine rebounds and three blocks for the World Select Team at the 2008 Nike Hoop Summit held in Portland, Oregon and tallied nine points and four rebounds for the World Select Team at the 2007 Nike Hoop Summit held in Memphis, Tennessee.
Strengths: Tremendous length and athleticism for a big man. Skilled offensively with a soft touch on his shot.
Personal: Father was a wrestler from the French Islands and mother is a native of France.
NC State standout JJ Hickson was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 19th pick.
It’s hard to argue with augustine even tthough the Roberts already have a decent pg.
He’s a tough kid who likes salmon.
I spoke to a friend in Portland who was able to see Ajinca, he said a fun player to watch but, he’s just not sure long tall Lexi will be able to figure out the NBA game.