Naismith Trophy Recipients Selected in First Round of NBA Draft

Bogut overall first pick, Felton to Charlotte, Williams to Philadelphia

ATLANTA (June 29, 2005) – Naismith Trophy winners and were selected in the first round of the 2005 NBA Draft last night at The Theater at in . Louis Williams was a second round draft pick. The Naismith Trophy, presented annually to the men’s and women’s college and high school players of the year, is the most prestigious national award in college and high school . Bogut marks the 17th Naismith Trophy winner to be selected first overall and Felton is the 43rd Naismith Trophy winner to be a first round pick.

Bogut, the 2005 Naismith Trophy Men’s College Player of the Year presented by Cingular Wireless was the overall first pick in the draft and was selected by the . Felton, the 2002 Naismith Trophy Male High School Player of the Year presented by POWERade was selected fifth overall by Charlotte. Williams, the 2005 Male High School Player of the Year was selected in the second round and 45th overall by Philadelphia.

“Andrew, Raymond and Louis had tremendous basketball seasons this year,” said Gary Stokan, Atlanta Tipoff Club president. “Andrew was clearly the best college player in the nation last year and the Milwaukee Bucks agree that his future is bright. Raymond is a dynamic athlete with leadership and speed. Louis is a complete player who can do it all. I expect to see great things from them at the professional level.”

Bogut, a 7’0” , averaged 20.4 points and 12.2 rebounds per game for the this year. The sophomore ranked first in the nation in double-doubles and scored in double figures in 37 consecutive games dating back to the final two games of last season. He led the Mountain West Conference in scoring, rebounding and percentage and ranked third in blocked shots.

Felton, a 6’1” guard averaged 12.9 points, 6.9 assists and 2 steals per game for North Carolina’s championship team this year. Named to the All Final Four team, Felton is a true playmaker with incredible speed on the court.

Williams, a 6’2”, 175 lb. guard dominated the high school basketball court this season for South Gwinnett High School in Atlanta, Ga. Explosive on offense, Williams averaged 27.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks per game. Williams was named a Parade and McDonald’s All-American and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s “Mr. Georgia Basketball” this year.

The Atlanta Tipoff Club, an Atlanta Sports Council property, is committed to promoting the game of basketball and recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of those who make the game so exciting. The Atlanta Tipoff Club has presented the Naismith Trophy since UCLA’s Lew Alcindor first won the award in 1969.

-www.NaismithAwards.com-