ORLANDO, Fla.---
When NBA commissioner Adam Silver took the stage to announce the Orlando Magic 1st round draft pick not many people expected him to announce this:
“With the 16th overall pick the Orlando Magic Select Chuma Okeke from Auburn University,” Silver stated as he had done fifteen times before. The ESPN cameras panned the room but Okeke was no where to be found. He was at his families home in Atlanta, GA celebrating.
“It was a shock,” Okeke says. “It still don’t feel real.”
The 6’8 forward was introduced to the media at Amway Center Friday. The pick even came as a surprise to Okeke.
“I didn’t really see this coming, but they gave me a chance and I’m ready to come in and work hard,” Okeke said.
“We came away with a guy that we were hoping to come away with,” Magic President of Basketball operations Jeff Weltman said. “That we feel will add in every way to our team. A guy that embodies what we want our team to be about.”
“I think he’s what the NBA is all about now positional size, versatility,” head coach Steve Clifford added. “A guy at the defensive end that will be able to switch and guard different players. “
Okeke definitely fits the Jeff Weltman draft trend of long versatile players, but we might have to wait awhile to see him play.
“I’m past the painful part right now I’m just working on getting my quad back stronger,” Okeke said about his injury.
Okeke was the inspirational story of the NCAA tournament for Auburn. After going down with a torn ACL in the sweet 16 versus North Carolina. Auburn rallied around him to make their first Final Four in school history.
Chuma had successful knee surgery April 2nd. There is currently no timetable for his return. His playing status depends on his rehab and treatment.
“Haven’t give me much detail,” Okeke said about the medical advice he’s received. “They just don’t want to rush me back, they just want to make sure I’m ready before I start playing.”
The Magic got their guy. Now Chuma Okeke is ready to prove them right.
“I still feel like I’m overlooked. I haven’t done anything yet I’m just ready to come in here and work hard.”