Lakers Acquire Arkansas’ Adou Thiero as No. 36 Pick

NEW YORK: During Thursday’s NBA Draft at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Johni Broome and Ryan Kalkbrenner stood out as prominent early choices in the second round, according to various reports.

Auburn’s Johni Broome, an All-American and recognized by The Sporting News as the National Player of the Year, was selected 35th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers.

The 6-foot-9 forward demonstrated his skills during his senior year, averaging 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game, and was instrumental in Auburn’s journey to the Final Four.

Upon being drafted, Broome expressed that it was a dream realized.

“Being drafted is the most thrilling event in my life thus far,” Broome commented.

“As a child, you aspire to be drafted, to have your name announced, and to wear the cap. It’s a surreal experience.”
At No. 34, the Charlotte Hornets selected Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner.

The 7-foot-1 center was consistently awarded Big East Defensive Player of the Year for four years straight and achieved averages of 19.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks during his final year in college.

The second round commenced with a trade as the Phoenix Suns obtained the 31st pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves. They then selected Saint Joseph’s forward Rasheer Fleming, a versatile player with an average of 14.7 points and 8.5 rebounds.

Separately, through a deal with the Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Lakers secured Arkansas big man Adou Thiero as pick No. 36, and the Orlando Magic acquired French forward Noah Penda as the 32nd pick.