UNF Coaches Have Former Players Selected in NBA Draft
6/25/2010 3:14:43 PM | Men's Basketball
NEW YORK – University of North Florida men's basketball head coach Matthew Driscoll and assistant coach Jeremy Shyatt saw former players selected as the No. 6 and No. 15 overall picks, respectively, in the 2010 NBA Draft on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.
Ekpe Udoh was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the No. 6 overall pick in the draft. The Baylor All-American power forward was coached by Driscoll and became BU's first lottery pick in program history. He helped to lead the Bears to the Elite 8 of the 2010 NCAA Men's Basketball tournament. He averaged 3.69 blocks per game, pulled down 351 rebounds and posted a team-best 16 double-doubles during the season.
“Ekpe's high skill level combined with his size showed why he is one best college players but more importantly his loyalty and personality is what will make him a great professional for a longtime,” said Driscoll. “Having worked with him so closely one on one and then seeing his name revealed as the No. 6 lottery pick brought joy and accomplishment to my heart knowing that dreams do come true.”
“I had the opportunity to work with a great staff at Baylor,” said Udoh. “Me, Coach Driscoll and the staff really went hard and turned my transfer year into the best thing for me. Players under him can really develop. He is always at the gym and he's always ready. He goes 24/7 and if you're willing to work, he's willing to work with you. He has always wanted the opportunity to become a head coach, and he's going to do a good job as head coach at North Florida.”
Larry Sanders was picked by the Milwaukee Bucks with the No. 15 overall pick in the draft. The 6-11 power forward from Virginia Commonwealth was coached by Shyatt during his tenure with the Rams. Sanders helped to lead VCU to a 75-27 record during his three seasons. This past year he led the team in scoring (14.4) rebounds (9.1) and field goal percentage (53.4%).
“I am so proud of Larry and the entire Sanders family,” Shyatt said. “His steady improvement during his three years at VCU is a testament to his tireless work ethic. He will be an asset to the Milwaukee Bucks organization, and a young man that the entire state of Wisconsin will grow to love!”
