Big 12 NBA Draft Recap

The Big 12 has had the most NBA draft picks out of any conference in the past five years with 40.

As such, it is only fitting that good number of Big 12 players found their way to the stage Thursday to shake hands with NBA officials.

In total, nine players were drafted Thursday night and the following is a recap of  how each Big 12 NBA Draft pick.

Round 1, No. 5: Thomas Robinson (Kansas) to the Sacramento Kings

Thomas Robinson was thought to be the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft.

Yet, he fell all the way to No. 5, surprising most analysts, but found a good situation in the Sacramento Kings.

He continues to be one of the most beloved players in college basketball and can now continue that in the NBA.

Round 1, No. 16: Royce White (Iowa State) to the Houston Rockets

Royce White was, perhaps, the most under the radar player of the draft this year.

He was not a big-time name, but simply knew how to play the game of basketball.

As such, he impressed multiple teams during workouts and was rewarded with a first-round pick.

Round 1, No. 28: Perry Jones III (Baylor) to the Oklahoma City Thunder

One of the most perplexing moments of the NBA Draft was the free-fall of Perry Jones III.

A story regarding the security of his knees broke early Thursday morning, causing some teams to question his ability.

In the end, however, he found a great home in the OKC Thunder, where he will not be the spotlight and will be able to thrive with the help of Kevin Durant.

Round 2, No. 37: Quincy Acy (Baylor) to the Toronto Raptors

Quincy Acy is probably the most adored player in Baylor history.

His work ethic and basketball motor are unmatched by most and he knows what it takes to win.

The Raptors gambled on a player that most consider to be undersized, but will give them great reward in the end.

Round 2, No. 38: Quincy Miller (Baylor) to the Denver Nuggets

Had Quincy Miller stayed in school, he would have been a guaranteed first-round pick.

Instead, he opted to enter the NBA Draft and fell all the way to the second round.

He impressed a handful of teams in his pre-draft workouts, but the Nuggets simply could not pass on him at this point in the draft.

Round 2, No. 39: Khris Middleton (Texas A&M) to the Detroit Pistons

Khris Middleton was one of the least talked about players in the Big 12 last season.

Even so, he has the potential to be one of he hardest playing forwards in the league if given a couple of season.

The Pistons saw his talent and decided to bite on it.

Round 2, No. 41: Tyshawn Taylor (Kansas) to the Portland Trail Blazers

Tyshawn Taylor used a great season at Kansas last year to improve his draft stock.

He is a gifted guard that can be molded into a pure point guard.

It will take some time, but the Trail Blazers have a nice project on their hands.

Round 2, No. 44: Kim English (Missouri) to the Detroit Pistons

Kim English was a part of the breakout Missouri team last season.

However, Mizzou’s unconventional style of guard play had some questioning whether or not its players could play in the NBA.

The Pistons took another gamble on choosing English, who has proven that he is one of the best shooters in the country.

Round 2, No. 59: Marcus Denmon (Missouri) to the San Antonio Spurs

With the second to last pick in this year’s NBA Draft, the Spurs chose Marcus Denmon.

He was not among the elite guards in this year’s class, but Spurs head coach Gregg Popovitch knows how to bring out the best in a player if given the time.

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