Jordan heads to New York

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica's centre Jerome Jordan was picked by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the National Basketball Association (NBA) draft on Thursday night, in New York City.

The seven-foot Jordan, who averaged 15 points, nine rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game for the University of Tulsa, was selected 44th overall by the Bucks.

However, after being drafted by the Bucks, Jordan was then traded to the New York Knicks, according to a report posted yesterday on ESPN Sports Network.

The report stated Jordan cannot be traded by the Bucks until next week; and the deal is contingent upon Corey Maggette passing his physical on Monday in Milwaukee.

Jordan, a past student of Jamaica College, is currently completing his degree in sports science.

Jordan could not be reached for comment yesterday, but in an interview with The Gleaner earlier this month, he told The Gleaner that he was looking forward to playing in the NBA.

Stronger

"I feel really good that I have shown what I have to offer," the 23-year-old Jordan said then.

"As far as my game is concerned, I am stronger from a physical standpoint and I have learnt a lot more about the game."

The Knicks, which play in the Eastern Conference Division, won 29 games last season and will be seeking a much-needed lift as they failed to make the play-offs for the second consecutive year.

Jordan started all 35 games for Tulsa this season and was named Second-Team All-C-USA. He also earned NABC and Sports News first-team All-Conference USA honours and became the only player in C-USA history to grab at least 800 rebounds and block 300 shots. He also set the school record for blocked shots with 333.

Meanwhile, Jordan's fellow countryman, Samardo Samuels, who played last season for the University of Louisville and was expected to be a late second-round pick, had not been drafted in the first two rounds.

There are four more rounds remaining in the draft, one of which took place last night.

If Samuels fails to get drafted, however, he will then have the option of playing in the Development League, which is the league below NBA.

He could also ply his trade in the European League or North American League.

Samuels, who plays both the forward and centre positions, averaged 15 points and seven rebounds for Louisville last season.