Vinicius Selected in Second Round
June 28, 2006

Oklahoma City - The New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets selected forward/center Hilton Armstrong (6-11, 235) of Connecticut with the 12th overall pick, forward Cedric Simmons (6-9, 235) of North Carolina State with the 15th overall pick and Marcus Vinicius of Brazil with the 43rd overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft.

“Getting these two players in the first round was the best scenario we could have imagined,” said General Manager Jeff Bower. “We wanted to fill our need for an inside presence who could rebound, block shots and score and we got that twofold with Hilton and Cedric.”

Armstrong, who played all four seasons at Connecticut, averaged 9.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.2 blocks while shooting .608 from the field as a senior. He led the Big East with 4.3 blocks per game in league play to earn Defensive Player of the Year and Second Team All-Big East honors.

“I’m excited about this opportunity,” said Armstrong. “I got a good vibe from the coaching staff when I was in for the workout and I can’t wait to get started.”

Simmons, an early entry candidate, averaged 11.8 points and 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks while shooting .587 from the field as a sophomore. He was named to the ACC All-Defensive team and was an Honorable Mention All-ACC selection.

“I wasn’t sure, but I had a feeling they might pick me,” said Williams. “I think I can fit right in there and contribute right away with my defense.”

Vinicius averaged 19.5 points and 5.4 rebounds last season with Objectivo Sao Carlos in Brazil. He has played professionally in Brazil for the past three seasons.

“Marcus had an impressive workout for us earlier this month,” said Bower. “We had him rated very high on our draft board and feel fortunate that we were able to get him with the 43rd pick.”

Vinicius, also known as “Marquinhos” de Souza, was an early entry candidate in the 2004 and 2005 NBA Drafts before withdrawing his name from consideration each time.

“I thought I had an excellent workout for the Hornets, so I’m excited that I have the opportunity to play for them,” said Vinicius. “I think it’s a great place for me to be and a great place to start my career.”