Aussies in 1997 NBA Draft

I was just looking around at the NBA drafts in the past and saw the 1997 Draft and was surprised how many Aussies were accually Drafted in the first two rounds.

1997 NBA Draft

Pick 18 Chris Anstey (F), Australia, Dallas Mavericks (from Portland), SE Melbourne Magic (Australia)

Pick 53 C.J. Bruton (G), Australia, Vancouver Grizzlies (from Houston), Indian Hills CC (Iowa)

Pick 54 Paul Rogers (C), Australia, Los Angeles Lakers (from New York), Gonzaga

Pick 56 Ben Pepper (C), Australia, Boston Celtics (from Miami), Newcastle Falcons (Australia)

All 3 have turned into fairly big names in the NBL. Would be interesting to no what happened to there NBA stints?

Topic #14029 | Report this topic

Anonymous
Years ago

All 3? But there's 4 names there..

Reply #164291 | Report this post

Kobe-for-MVP
Years ago

Anon its a spelling mistake.

Reply #164292 | Report this post

Johnny Sack
Years ago

Meh... Three of them were 2nd rounders... It seems nowadays that 2nd rounders have a better chance of getting a bench spot in the NBA (possibly due to the fact that the starters get paid so much money now - and padding the last 5 spots on your list with cheapies makes sense) - back in those days the amount of dud 2nd rounders (who never got anywhwere near a NBA bench) is frightening... Interesting that other guys who had more potential for the NBA didn't get drafted... I am surprised that McKinnon never got a look, and Dwight had far greater potential in the NBA than any of these guys (IMHO)... Cest la vie kiddies...

Reply #164293 | Report this post

TR
Years ago

I remember that Dwight knocked back a contract with the Charlotte Hornets.

Reply #164300 | Report this post

lethal5
Years ago

Dwight was offered a guaranteed 1 year contract reportedly worth US$500,000.

He knocked it back saying he didn't feel ready to compete at that level.

Who knocks back a guaranteed chance like that? Crazy!

Reply #164305 | Report this post

Anonymous
Years ago

dwights knees were destroyed!!!

Reply #164307 | Report this post

lethal5
Years ago

Bad knees came later! Dwight was in his prime at the time.
Possibly the best Aussie player ever to not make our Olympic team. Would have sat on Barnes bench anyway, & sat, & sat, & sat. Wouldn't he Brett... & Catt?

Reply #164312 | Report this post

Ricey
Years ago

wonder how his financial situation is now then, seeing you was stupid enough to put that contract in the bin

Reply #164650 | Report this post

You need to be a registered user to post from this location. Register here.

Close ads

Serio: Tourism photography and videography

Little Streaks - The fun and interactive good-habits app designed especially for kids.

Advertise on Hoops to a very focused, local and sports-keen audience. Email for rates and options.

Hoops

Aussies in 1997 NBA Draft

Recent Posts