MIAMI, 06/26 - The Miami HEAT announced today they have selected forward Michael Beasley with the second pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.
Beasley spent one year playing for Kansas State before declaring for the NBA Draft as an early entry candidate. He was named National Freshman of the Year by The Sporting News and the USBWA and received the Pete Newell Big Man of the Year award from the NABC. He also earned unanimous First Team All-American honors from the Associated Press, NABC, The Sporting News and the USBWA and was named to the Wooden Award All-America Team. He was also named Big 12 Player of the Year by the Associated Press and the league coaches and was a unanimous First Team All-Conference and All-Rookie Team Selection.
During his lone season at Kansas State, Beasley led the NCAA Division I in rebounding (12.4 rpg) and ranked third in scoring (26.2 ppg). He led the nation in 40-point games (three), 30-point/10-rebound games (13), and 20-point/10-rebound games (22). He also posted a nation-leading 28 double-doubles, breaking the freshman mark previously held by Syracuse’s Carmelo Anthony. He set new single-season school records in points (866), scoring average (26.2), 30-point games (13), double-doubles (28), rebounds (408), field goals made (307) and free throws made (216).
Beasley was a member of the USA Junior National Select Team that defeated the World Select Team at the 2007 Nike Hoop Summit, as well as a member of the silver medal-winning United States team at the 2007 FIBA World Championship for Men, and the gold medal-winning U.S. team at the 2006 FIBA Americas UI8 Championship for Men.
Beasley was born in Frederick, MD and attended Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, MA. While in high school, he was named Most Valuable Player of the 2007 McDonald’s All-American Game, and also earned MVP honors at the Adidas Derby Festival Classic. As a senior, he earned USA Today All-USA High School Boys Basketball Second Team honors.