Posted May 3, 200520 yr ESPN CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Charlotte forward Emeka Okafor has won the NBA's Rookie of the Year award, narrowly beating best friend Ben Gordon of Chicago Bulls, a Bobcats source told The Associated Press. The award will be announced Wednesday. The Bobcats have called a news conference for what they have only called "a major announcement." Okafor, the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA draft, led all rookies in scoring (15.9 points per game) and rebounding (10.9 rpg) and was second in his class behind Atlanta's Josh Smith in blocks (1.71). He also ranked second in the NBA with 3.8 offensive rebounds per game. He ended his season with 47 games in double figures in both points and rebounds. But Okafor spent the final months in a close battle with Gordon, his best friend and roommate while the two led Connecticut to the NCAA championship. Both left UConn for the NBA following the 2004 title, and they went Nos. 2 and 3 in the draft. Gordon became a sparkplug for the Bulls off the bench while helping them into the postseason for the first time since Michael Jordan's retirement. Okafor played under tremendous pressure the entire season as the face of the expansion Bobcats. Charlotte traded up in the draft for a chance to pick him, hoping to make him the cornerstone of their franchise. Even with a limited supporting cast, Okafor was able to help the Bobcats to 18 wins despite preseason predictions that Charlotte would be the worst team in NBA history. He helped the Bobcats to two wins over Detroit, the defending NBA champions, as well as victories over Miami and Houston. After the season-ending win over the Pistons, Okafor said he enjoyed his rookie season. "With an expansion team, I knew that things would be different, but I didn't have anything to compare it to," he said. "I've had a pretty enjoyable experience. I can't complain at all. I've had a great time in Charlotte this year and its only going to get better. The future is looking bright."
May 3, 200520 yr Author ...as I scroll down and see he won 6th Man of the Year. Woohoo 761571[/snapback] No way the NBA gives a rookie both awards, that is why he basically had no chance at ROY once the 6th man was announced, IMO.
May 5, 200520 yr Who cares...Dwight Howard will be the biggest superstar. Book it. 762528[/snapback] Yep. :thumbup A lot younger, yet to develop his moves, yet to be used to such a higher level of competition, was barely given touches...and yet almost scores as much as both Gordon and Okafor anyway at a much more effecient clip.
May 6, 200520 yr Good for Okafor. Another UConn alumini wins an award. 762046[/snapback] and 2nd place... when was the last time two guys from the same college finished first and second for ROTY?
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