Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the Washington Wizards selected 7'0" center/forward JaVale McGee (JA-vell) from Nevada with the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2008 NBA Draft.
“JaVale has a chance to be a solid addition to our team,” said Grunfeld. “He’s a seven-footer with a 7’6” wingspan, he runs the floor very well, and he’s an excellent shot-blocker.”
“I’m so excited right now, and I’m just ready to get there and play basketball and work hard,” said McGee. “I think I can bring great athleticism, run the floor well, and bring shot blocking ability to the team.”
McGee, 20, was an early entry candidate in the 2008 NBA Draft. A Second Team All-WAC selection in his sophomore seasons at Nevada, McGee was also named to the league’s All-Defensive Team. McGee led the WAC in blocked shots last season (2.8 bpg, 14th in the country), and finished second among all WAC players in rebounding (7.3 rpg).
McGee is the son of Pamela McGee and George Montgomery. Pamela McGee is a former All-American basketball player from USC, who also played and coached in the WNBA. Montgomery played collegiate basketball at Illinois.