Pistons Draft Deron Washington

In somewhat of a surprise, former Virginia Tech forward Deron Washington was
selected in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft on Thursday night. Washington
was considered a long shot to be drafted, but the Detroit Pistons took him with
the 59th pick overall, the next-to-last pick in the draft.

Washington
is just the third Hokie to be drafted in the past 20 years. Bimbo Coles was
taken in the second round by Sacramento in 1990, and Eddie Lucas was taken in
the second round by Utah in 1999. Lucas was the last selection of the entire
draft.

Washington goes to a Pistons team that won the NBA Title in 2003-04 based on
defense and tough play. That’s what Washington brings to the table. He was able
to guard three or four different positions at the college level, and he can be a
versatile defender in professional basketball as well. He made the ACC
All-Defensive Team this past year. He is also a world-class leaper, something
not to be overlooked in the NBA.

Washington averaged 13.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game as a senior. He is
one of just three Tech players to finish his career with 1,300 points, 600
rebounds, 100 steals and 100 blocks.

He was one of four ACC players drafted.

Hickson played just one year at NC State before declaring for the draft.
Singletary, Gist and Washington all completed their college career, and are all
senior draft picks, something that’s not common these days.

With so few losses to the NBA, the ACC is expected to be a very strong
conference this coming season.