97.1 The Ticket -- For the third and final time, a John Beilein-coached Michigan team saw multiple players selected in the same draft.
The New York Knicks traded up to draft Ignas Brazdeikis with the 47th overall pick, sending the 55th pick to Sacramento in exchange.
Brazdeikis joins former teammate Jordan Poole in the 2019 draft class, marking the third time at least two Wolverines went in the same draft since Beilein became the Michigan coach in 2007.
Trey Burke (9th overall), Tim Hardaway, Jr. (24th) were both picked in the 2013 draft, while Nik Stauskas (8th), Mitch McGary (21st) and Glenn Robinson III (40th) all went in 2014.
In a bit of a surprise,
Poole went 28th overall to the Warriors. Many mock drafts projected both Poole and Brazdeikis to be late second-round picks, or even going undrafted altogether. Instead, both players were picked Thursday night, giving Beilein another draft night accolade as he begins his new job with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
It's not often an NBA coach congratulates a draftee on Twitter when they get selected by another team. But that's exactly what Beilein did, sending Poole and Brazdeikis well wishes.
Congrats to Jordan ! Another Michigan first rounder ! Joining a another championship culture at GSW It’s a “Poole party “ with the splash brothers #Goblue https://t.co/UVkym5y6Do
— John Beilein (@JohnBeilein)
June 21, 2019 Congrats to @_iggy_braz on being drafted by NY The Knicks are going to love that young man. He is a winner in every way. Thanks Ignas for all you did for @umichbball this past year #Goblue
— John Beilein (@JohnBeilein)
June 21, 2019 Brazdeikis earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors last season as he averaged 14.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. He joins fellow Canadian R.J. Barrett in New York after the former Duke star was picked 3rd overall.
