THREE FROM OHIO SELECTED IN NBA DRAFT

While Ohio is known as a football state, basketball has seen its growth over the past few years. Last night two NBA teams selected three former Ohio prep players.

The Buckeye state was well represented during the 2004 NBA Draft. Three former Ohio prep players were picked in the two rounds by NBA teams looking to better themselves.

Kevin Martin of Zanesville was selected with the 26 pick by the Sacramento Kings. Martin a 6-7 guard played his college ball at Western Carolina and finished with a 23.3 scoring average in 79 games. Martin was an early entry for the draft and found the Kings willing to take him.

In the second round Ricky Minard of Mansfield was selected with the 48th pick also by the Kings. Minard averaged 20.9 points in a total of 114 games for Morehead State. The 6-4 guard will have to earn his keep for the Kings.

Also in the second round former Xavier guard Romain Sato was selected with the 52nd pick by the San Antonio Spurs. The 6'5 former Dayton Christian star averaged 15.4 points in a total of 130 games for Xavier. Sato who's seen a long journey end with his dream on playing in the NBA is a native of Africa.