It's been a decade since a University of Miami Hurricane went in the NBA Draft's first round. But this year's edition of the Canes made history by winning the ACC outright and rolling into the tournament's Sweet Sixteen, so it's appropriate that their star would land higher in the draft than any UM baller since 1965.
Shane Larkin ended up drafted 18th overall by the Atlanta Hawks, who then shipped him to the Dallas Mavericks.
Larkin, rocking a sweet Pee Wee Herman suit and bow-tie outfit, slapped on a Hawks hat when his name was called 18th overall before learning he was actually headed to Texas. He earned early accolades from the Dallas Morning News, which notes that as a pick and roll specialist, he "should come in handy in the Mavericks' system."
The last Cane to go in the first round was John Salmons back in 2002; only one UM player has gone higher Larkin, Rick Barry way back in 1965.
Draft night was less electrifying for Larkin's teammate, Kenny Kadji, who had been projected to go in the second round. Kadji's name was never called, meaning he'll have to try to crack a roster as a free agent or ply his trade overseas.
"I told Kenny no matter what happens on draft night, he'll be in the NBA," Kadji's agent, David Bauman, tells the Herald. "There are two ways to get in the league, through the front door and the back door."
