Craig Brackins

California-native Craig Brackins plays professional basketball as a member of the New Orleans Hornets in the National Basketball Association. Brackins was drafted 21st overall in the first round of the 2010 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was immediately traded to the Hornets along with Quincy Pondexter in exchange for Cole Aldrich and Morris Peterson.http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2010-06-24-3661075051_x.htm

Prior to playing professionally, Brackins played NCAA Basketball with the Iowa State Cyclones men's basketball team. Brackins is described as a strong outside shooter that has the potential to improve the struggling defense of the New Orleans Hornets.http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2010-06-24-3661075051_x.htm Additionally, he is said to be a highly skilled shooter with a good size for his position. NBA.com added that Brackins "has a good work ethic and is a smart player."http://www.nba.com/draft2010/prospects/craig-brackins/

College Career

Brackins began his college basketball career in the 2007-08 season with the Iowa State Cyclones. He played in 32 games, averaging 27.7 minutes of play, 11.4 rebounds and five assists in each game. His numbers improved during his second season, topping 20 points per game and nearly reaching 10 rebounds per game. In the 2008-09 season, Brackins was given a chance to shine on a national level when he scored 42 points in a game against the eventual national champions, the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=katz_andy&id=4296457

Despite much attention from NBA scouts after the season, Brackins decided to stay in college and play one addition season at Iowa State. He saw his production decrease slightly in his junior season, averaging 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in the 2009-10 campaign. The Cyclones finished the season with a 15-17 record, placing 10th in the Big 12 Conference and failing to qualify for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.http://espn.go.com/ncb/clubhouse?teamId=66 On March 12, 2010, just two days after the Cyclones were eliminated from the Big 12 Tournament, Brackins announced that he would forego his senior season of college to enter the NBA Draft.

Craig Brackins Post-Draft Interview

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Craig Brackins post draft interview

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Following his 21st overall selection in the 2010 NBA Draft, Craig Brackins addressed the media from his home. He stated that he was shocked to be selected so high in the draft, expecting to go in the second round instead. Brackins also took some time to thank those that helped him along the way including family and coaches.