The Los Angeles Clippers today signed rookie guard Eric Gordon, the teams first round selection (7th overall) in the 2008 NBA Draft, announced Vice President of Basketball Operations Elgin Baylor.
An explosive scorer and a dead eye outside shooter who leaves Indiana University after a successful freshman campaign, the 63 guard averaged 20.9 points for the Hoosiers en route to being named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
A former Indiana Mr. Basketball, Gordon, led the Big Ten in scoring as a freshman and earned Second Team All-American Honors from the NABC and Third Team honors from the Associated Press as he established an Indiana and Big Ten freshman record with 669 total points, breaking the previous record held by Michael Redd from Ohio State and the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Indianapolis native scored 20 or more points 19 times in 2007-08 and topped the 30-point mark three times, including a career-high 33 points in the season opener vs. Chattanooga, establishing an Indiana record for most points ever in a Hoosiers debut. Gordon, 19, was the 2007 Gatorade National Male Athlete of the Year as a senior, putting an exclamation mark on a standout career at North Central High School in Indianapolis.
CLIPPERS GUARD ERIC GORDON:On his view of Los Angeles...
"I really like the city, but Im more of a Midwest type of guy. Im just going to wait and see what L.A.s all about when I move here."
On his role on the team...
"Depends on whether the coaches will be playing me as a point guard or shooting guard. It really all depends on whatever situation is right for me."
On his specific goals for the season...
"Well of course anybody would want to be on the All-Rookie team. Its all about what happens on the court with your team. I would like to go to the playoffs and hopefully go to the Finals."
On the Clippers organization...
"This is where I thought I might be drafted at. It was definitely a high chance that I would be here. I know some players on the team and I am pretty familiar with them."
On the Western Conference and his impact as a rookie...
"Hopefully Im somewhat of that missing piece. I like the chemistry the Clippers have. I think this is a great group to play with."
CLIPPERS VICE PRESIDENT OF BASKETBALL OPERATIONS ELGIN BAYLOR:On Gordon's role on the team...
"Eric has played point guard in both high school and college and weve watched him play some terrific basketball. He is very strong and big on the perimeter. Hes also an excellent ball handler."