Marist's Jordan Selected 45th By Los Angeles Clippers
MAAC Sports
Marist's Jared Jordan (Hartford, Conn.) was selected 45th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2007 NBA Draft held Thursday at Madison Square Garden. The 6'2 guard became the first Marist player to be drafted since Rik Smits was selected second overall by the Indiana Pacers in 1988.
"I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to join a class organization like the Los Angeles Clippers," said Jordan from his home in Hartford. "To have the chance to learn from a veteran guard like Sam Cassell is simply wonderful for my development as a professional and I look forward to helping them reach the playoffs next season."
Jordan, the 2007 MAAC Player of the Year and the school's all-time assist leader, led the nation in assists for the second straight season, totaling 286 for an 8.7 apg average. A Bob Cousy Award finalist, he was the first player in Division I history since Southern University's Avery Johnson to lead the nation in assists twice. He was also named winner of the 74th Haggerty Award as the 2006-07 All-Met Division I men's college basketball player of the year, presented by the National Invitation Tournament and the Met Basketball Writers Association.
The Marist men's basketball team captured a program-record 25 wins (against nine losses) in 2006-07 and captured its first postseason win with a 67-64 win at Oklahoma State on March 13 in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament. The club also snared its first outright MAAC regular season title this season with a 14-4 league mark.
Head coach Matt Brady received MAAC Coach of the Year honors, and was presented the Peter A. Carlesimo Coach of the Year award by the National Invitation Tournament and the Met Basketball Writers Association.