Oklahomans cause stir in NBA Draft

The day after the NBA Draft is always interesting as folks start digesting their favorite team’s picks.

With so many players with local connections taken in last night’s draft, there is lots of buzz about these guys, their futures, their promise and maybe even their plights. Here’s a look at what folks are saying about the players with local ties who were taken in the first round:

Ekpe Udoh: The former Edmond Santa Fe High School standout is headed to Golden State, and while he seems to think this is a good deal that the Warriors took him with the No. 6 overall pick, San Jose Mercury-News columnist Tim Kawakami wonders if the pick isn’t a sign of crazy days ahead for the Warriors. The Warriors Wire blog from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat likes the team’s pick, though, and says Udoh is the right guy.

Xavier Henry:Memphis snagged the former Putnam City High star with the No. 12 overall pick. Memphis Commercial-Appeal columnist Geoff Calkins says Henry may soon find himself playing for a maddening franchise. Henry was part of a big night for the Big 12, though, as a record seven players from the conference were taken in the first round. The Kansas City Star reports on that big number.

James Anderson: The Oklahoma State star is now a San Antonio Spur. The Spurs selected him with the No. 20 overall pick, ending a long and winding road to draft night for the team as the San Antonio Express-News reports. Columnist Mike Monroe says that the Spurs got their man by drafting Big Game James.

Daniel Orton: The former Bishop McGuinness big man might be the most intriguing first-round pick of the draft. Orlando selected him with the No. 29 pick. Check out general manager Otis Smith’s comment about Orton in The Ledger. Orlando Sentinel columnist Brian Schmitz said that the look-to-the-future pick was a change for a team that’s focused on winning now.