The New Orleans Hornets were thrilled when
Julian Wright was still available at the 13th overall pick in the
NBA draft.

Coach Byron Scott says Wright's record in his two seasons at
Kansas convinced the Hornets six-foot-eight forward would be picked
as high as sixth last night.

Wright was a career 55 percent shooter at K-U and landed on the
All Big 12 First Team as a sophomore. He averaged 12 points and
seven-point-eight boards a game last season while blocking 49
shots.

Scott says Wright's ball-handling skills and his ability to
convert a rebound into a fast break remind of his former Los
Angeles Lakers teammate, Magic Johnson.

Wright calls the Hornets a good fit for him. New Orleans nearly
made the playoffs last season despite injuries, and Wright says
it's a great opportunity to play with a team in a position to do
well.