Friday's WAC-aroni

Here's the report from the LA TECH athletics site on Magnum Rolle's drafting:

Rolle Drafted by Indiana Pacers
Forward becomes 11th LA Tech player ever selected in NBA Draft

Louisiana Tech forward Magnum Rolle was selected with the 51st overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers late Thursday night.

The Pacers and President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird moved up six slots in the second round to obtain the rights to the 51st pick which was originally owned by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

"The Pacers bought up from their pick at 57 to 51 to get to Magnum," said Rolle's agent Fletcher Cockrell. "Larry Bird really wanted him, or they wouldn't have bought up. There were a lot of really good players that weren't drafted."

Rolle starred at Louisiana Tech the past two seasons where he helped lead the Bulldogs to a 24-11 mark this past year while earning numerous individual accolades. He averaged 13.9 points and 8.4 rebounds while leading the Western Athletic Conference with 2.1 blocks per game.

"I am extremely excited for Magnum, his family and the opportunity he has at the next level," said LA Tech head coach Kerry Rupp. "I know it is an opportunity he has worked extremely hard for and will continue to work hard towards. It is also the completion of the plan we put in place for him when he arrived at Louisiana Tech along with getting his degree."

Rolle earned his bachelor's degree in sociology in March.

The 6-foot-11-inch forward was named second team all-WAC while also earning a spot on the league's all-defensive team for the second consecutive season. He was also named to the Lefty Driesell All-American Defensive Team.

Rolle made 33 starts during the year for LA Tech, scoring in double figures 24 times while recording 11 double doubles. He pulled down a career-high 17 rebounds on three separate occasions and scored a career-high 29 points in a win over Houston.

The Freeport, Bahamas native is the first Bulldog to be selected in the NBA Draft since Paul Millsap was taken by the Utah Jazz with the 47th pick of the 2006 Draft.

Rolle also became the 11th Louisiana Tech player ever selected in the NBA Draft, joining Millsap, P.J. Brown (1992, New Jersey, 29th), Ron Ellis (1992, Phoenix, 49th), Randy White (1989, Dallas, 8th), Karl Malone (1985, Utah, 13th), Willie Simmons (1985, Sacramento, 76th), Victor King (1979, Los Angeles Lakers, 39th), Mike McConathy (1977, Chicago, 79th), Mike Green (1973, Seattle, 4th) and Jackie Moreland (1960, Detroit, 4th).

Rolle was one of four WAC players selected in the NBA Draft joining Fresno State's Paul George (10th overall, Indiana Pacers) and Nevada's Luke Babbitt (16th overall, Minnesota Timberwolves) and Armon Johnson (34th overall, Portland Trailblazers). Louisiana Tech Bulldogs All-Time in NBA Draft

Year Player Pos. Team Selection

2010 Magnum Rolle F Oklahoma City 51st

2006 Paul Millsap PF Utah 47th

1992 PJ Brown PF New Jersey 29th

1992 Ron Ellis PF Phoenix 49th

1989 Randy White PF Dallas 8th

1985 Karl Malone PF Utah 13th

1985 Willie Simmons C Sacramento 76th

1979 Victor King PF LA Lakers 39th

1977 Mike McConathy SG Chicago 79th

1973 Mike Green C/F Seattle 4th

1960 Jackie Moreland F Detroit 4th

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Daniel Lyght reports on Paul George's drafting by Indiana.

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Here's Dan Hinxman on what Luke Babbitt and Armon Johnson are walking into with the Trailblazers.

Chris Murray offers up a bunch of links on last night's draft -- go here and here (loved the headline) and here.

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Leon "The Whirlwind" Rice is captured by Nick Jezierny.