Basketball Buckeyes Look For Their Chance Tonight In Draft

Can they transition into the NBA?

David Lighty and Jon Diebler were huge contributors in the NCAA tournament run the last 2 years. While they did not reach their goals, they certainly made Buckeye Nation proud by always giving it their best and never giving up. The leadership of these two were remarkable. Lighty will most likely be drafted in the second round, and there are many possibilities as to where he could end up.


"Lighty should now play the role typically held by seniors in the NBA Draft -- the picks teams need to fill out rosters. During the four drafts of Lighty's college career, there were only 22 seniors taken in the first round, but 57 selected in the second round. The second round Thursday should include well-known seniors such as Cleveland State's Norris Cole, Duke's Nolan Smith, Wisconsin's Jon Leuer, Purdue's JaJuan Johnson and E'Twaun Moore, Illinois' Demetri McCamey and Notre Dame's Ben Hansbrough."


While that may be, Buckeye fans certainly know that teams pick up Lighty and Diebler will have some serious steals. Diebler was a machine from the 3 point line, but couldn't do much else, so he might be a small role player in certain situations. 


When I think of David Lighty, I think of superb defensive ability, with a knack for hitting the shot that the team needs. He reminds me of Ron Artest when he plays, both physical and smart, and can really be good player in the NBA.

"I think David Lighty will be on the roster in one way, shape or form," ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla said. "[It wouldn't be a surprise] if you tell me in a year or two from now he's having a lot of success because he's one of those no-mistake guys we talked about. If you put him on the floor he's probably going to know his role. There is a lot that he offers as an early to mid-second round pick."

"The Web site NBADraft.net has Lighty going 53rd to Orlando, while DraftExpress.com points Lighty toward Philadelphia at No. 50. He could also be in the mix earlier in the second round, including for Detroit (33rd or 52nd) or the Cavs (32nd or 54th)."

Jon Diebler will have to hope for the best, meanwhile. I really think he can come and contribute into key situations, and when he's hot, he can really give a team a boost and perhaps a big lead.

Either way, we wish these two phenomenal guys a big good luck in the NBA draft tonight. Go Bucks!