The Vista June 26, 2018

Volume 116, Issue 16

the VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”

ucentralmedia.com vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

“Betz” President in the Nation to Retire Oklahoma First

State to Oversee Coal Ash Disposal Katie Standlee

@katiestandlee Managing Editor

Don Betz, Ph.D., delivers his inaugural address, calling for the “building and sustaining of a culture of learning, leading and serving.” Betz was officially sworn into office as the 20th President of the University of Central Oklahoma at an inauguration ceremony in 2012. (Provided UCO Photographic Services)

Christian Tabak @CaffeineWallace Editor-In-Chief

Don Betz announced Friday he will retire as president of the University of Central Oklahoma at the end of the next academic year, with the last day of his eight-year run being June 30, 2019.

Betz was named UCO’s 20th president in June 2011 by the Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents and has since overseen the implementation of several major initiatives to improve student engagement and campus facilities.

“I have been honored to serve as UCO’s president,” Betz said in a statement. “It is an exceptional,

student-centered institution energized by its devoted faculty and staff, and educating Oklahomans for 128 years.

I can think of no greater investment in Oklahoma’s future than encouraging our citizens’ passion for learning, leading and serving.”

With a career in education spanning more than 45 years, Betz previously served as the president of Northeastern State University in Tahlequah from 2005-2008, as UCO’s provost from 1999-2005 and as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Palmer College in Davenport, Iowa from 1994-1999.

Although he may be retiring, Betz said that his goal for the next year remains the same as it has been: working toward making UCO one of the nation’s top metropolitan univer-

sities as outlined in the Vision 2020 strategic plan he introduced in 2013.

This plan outlines a set of strategies focused on supporting transformative learning and UCO’s role in Oklahoma’s metropolitan community between 2013-2020.

The efforts toward these goals, made under Betz’s tenure, brought the university national recognition in 2016 when UCO was listed as one of the Wall Street Journal’s Top 10 universities where students feel most engaged.

“Will there be any change of trajectory? Not really,” Betz said. “We already have a great plan laid out, but there will be a new focus and that will be on the opening of three new buildings in the next year.”

Along with the upcoming opening Continued on page 4

CAMPUS NEWS

LibertyFest

Fireworks to Light

As of June 18, Oklahoma became the first state to be approved to regulate the disposal of coal ash, formally known as coal combustion residuals, after the Environmental Protection agency approved the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Equality’s permit program.

“The fact that we are first I think definitely demonstrates our professionalism,” said Fenton Rood, assistant division director of the Land Protection Division at ODEQ. “When we saw the nature of the federal rule change, we immediately began a dialogue with our stakeholders and started the process of amending our rules to comply with the federal, so we just see that as our mission of protecting people.”

EPA administrator and former Oklahoma attorney general, Scott Pruitt, signed a federal register notice that approved Oklahoma’s plan to oversee the disposal of the states’ own coal ash.

“This historic announcement places oversight of coal ash disposal into the hands of those who are best positioned to oversee coal ash management: the officials who have intimate knowledge of the facilities and the environment in their state,” Pruitt said. “Oklahoma is leading the way for other states to establish state coal ash permit programs, and EPA stands ready to work with each and every state to improve coal ash management.”

Continued on page 3

BRONCHO SPORTS

Crockett’s Dreams Within Reach

Up Hafer Park

on pg. 3

on pg. 6

2

June 26, 2018

the

VISTA

Contents

CONTENTS

Coal Ash/LibertyFest...........................................................3 Betz/Veterans........................................................4 Crockett.................................................................5 NBA.......................................................................6 Bucking Broncho.................................................................7

STAFF

Christian Tabak Katie Standlee Jonathan Goudeau Regan Rosson Megan Thele Alejandro Gonzalez Evelyn Stewart Rani Spindle Austein Brown Savannah Melher Cici Simon James Jackson Derek Parker Travis Wilson Teddy Burch

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Sports Reporter Sports Reporter Contributing Writer Adviser

THE VISTA

LETTERS

is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students, weekly during the academic year, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free for the first copy and $1 for each additional copy obtained.

EDITORIALS

Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communication, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO.

The Vista encourages letters to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must be typed, double-spaced and must include the author’s printed name, major, classification and phone number. Phone numbers are included for contacting purposes only.

Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters.

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On the Cover:

Bottom Left:A lit sparkler sparkles in front of the American flag (Vista Archives).

Bottom Right: Josh Crocket, 6, rushes in the two-point conversion to make the game 53-52 in favor of UCO. UCO defeated the Hornets 53-52 Saturday, Sept.

30, 2017 (Vista Archives).

Coal ash pits look like mountains on naturally flat land (Provided/Sierra Club).

Coal Ash/LibertyFest

June 26, 2018

3

Oklahoma First State to Oversee Coal Ash Disposal Continued from page 1

Rood said they do have delegation to operate the program, but the EPA will still be looking over the shoulders, so to speak, of ODEQ. “Oklahoma took the federal rules, rewrote our rules and incorporated the federal rules into our system,” Rood said. “As a result of that activity, our regulatory program is now equivalent to the one that EPA would operate, so EPA has said that we have delegation to operate the program.”

Coal ash comes from the burning of coal in coal-fired power plants and has seven different byproducts from the burning of coal: flying ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, flue gas desulfurization material, scrubber residues, fluidized bed combustion ash and cenospheres.

“The program is already in existence. It is based on state law and state rules and EPA simply acknowledged that our program is consistent with EPA’s and they have no need to operate the program directly within the state of Oklahoma, but they will continually review our actions,” Rood said.

Under this permit program, ODEQ will be able to give permits to five facilities, enabling them to also give out fines and notices when necessary.

They will also to be able to monitor the groundwater at the sites.

Rood said currently there are groundwater monitoring wells at each site that are drilled into the

shallowest water surrounding the site, because that is the water that will be contaminated first if there is a release. These wells are monitored daily for groundwater quality.

“Our goal is for companies to be able to comply, so we would have extensive communication about the standards and how to comply with the standards before we escalated to the point of fines,” Rood said.

This decision by the EPA has some environmentalists, such as Sierra Club and Earthjustice, concerned that the coal ash disposal will not be overseen correctly by ODEQ. “The EPA currently expends around 40 percent of a single budget in state efforts and now they want to give one of the biggest pollution issues to a single state and expect it to handle the issue with our current budget woes as well, and it has been well documented that Oklahoma has massive budget problems,” said Johnson Grimm-Bridgwater, director of the state chapter of the Sierra Club.

However, according to Rood, budget shortfalls for this permit program will not be an issue.

“The costs will not be appreciable because we’re only talking about five different facilities across the state and our solid waste regulatory program is funded entirely by fees on the regulated community, so we don’t rely on appropriations, and so budget short falls are not a complication for this program,” Rood said.

Toxic coal ash dust at the Making Money Having Fun Landfill in Bokoshe, OK. (Provided by Earthjustice).

A decision has not yet been made, but, along with other groups like Earthjustice, Grimm-Bridgwater said they are looking at all of their legal options to push back against the EPA’s decision.

“The other aspect of our system that is more robust is that we have a very strong complaint investigation system,” Rood said, “So, if a citizen files a complaint it’s our internal policy that we will investigate it in two days of receiving it.”

However, this is another aspect that Grimm-Bridgwater is concerned about with ODEQ overseeing the permit program as well.

"ODEQ has gone on record that they are opposed to citizen suits, so it is clear that such an agency (which has also had its budget chopped the

last 4 years) is not the entity best suited to take care of Oklahomans on this issue,” Grimm-Bridgwater said.

Rood said, however, that the rules that are currently in place are more stringent than the previous rules because ODEQ will be able to enforce.

“In the modifications that we have made over the past two years, our rules mirror the federal rules, where we are more stringent is through our enforcement mechanisms,” Rood said. “Under the federal rules, EPA did not have an enforcement rule; citizens were required to file lawsuits to enforce the rules. ODEQ, as a regulatory body, has an extensive experience with enforcement of regulations and we can not only require permits and do inspections, but, if need be, issue fines and even file criminal charges.”

LibertyFest Fireworks to Light Up Hafer Park Rainbow Spindle @TheVista1903 Reporter

Edmond’s LibertyFest 2018 fireworks show will take place July 4 at Hafer Park, unlike previous years when it was held on the University of Central Oklahoma campus The change is due to not only safety and space concerns, but also to better reflect the goals and values of the City of Edmond.

“Because of the construction and positive growth occurring at UCO, we would have been limited to the size of fireworks for the event,” said June Cartwright, public relations chair for LibertyFest 2018.

Cartwright said fun with family has always been a goal of LibertyFest and the Edmond community.

Bob Meinders, fireworks chairman of LibertyFest 2018 made the decision to move the fireworks show to

Fireworks were left sitting to be cleaned up in a parking lot on campus after a fireworks accident during LibertyFest 2016. (Vista Arcives)

Hafer Park several months ago.

“The venue change provides maximum viewing and size of display for the fireworks show, and a greater degree of safety,” Meinders said.

Cartwright said the decision on making the change a permanent part of LibertyFest will occur at a later date, however, such a decision is not likely.

She hopes both Edmond residents and university students can still enjoy viewing the fireworks show from the UCO parking lots and campus. In addition, the show will be synchronized to KZUC 99.3 Central Radio.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed our partnership with UCO,” Cartwright said. “LibertyFest will always continue to work with UCO in regard to

our many events.”

Despite the change, the active participation of the UCO community is still encouraged.

“UCO is a big part of the parade,” Cartwright said. “Without their help in the staging areas, the parade would not be possible, and LibertyFest Concert in the Park is another part of our partnership.”

Hafer Park will be closed to vehicle traffic on July 4. The park’s north parking lot will be closed July 3 and 4, as advised by the City of Edmond’s Police and Fire Departments.

The LibertyFest fireworks show is provided by ARC Pyrotechnics and is the largest fireworks display in the metro area. It has been ranked among the Top 10 in the nation by CNN and USA Today.

“We have been very fortunate to stage this event at UCO for a number of years and are very grateful for the university’s continued support,” Cartwright said.

4

June 26, 2018

Betz/Veterans

“Betz” President in the Nation to Retire Continued From Page 1 of the Sports Performance Center in September, the STEM Teaching and Research Center in October or November and the south wing of the Liberal Arts Center in June 2019, Betz has overseen several other major campus projects during his tenure.

He oversaw the opening of the Transformative Learning Quadrangle on campus and UCO’s downtown campus at Oklahoma City’s Carnegie Center in 2015. In 2017 he saw the completion of Old North’s restoration project after the original structure was shut down in 2001 due to safety concerns.

Support for undergraduate research and student-centered learning has also thrived during Betz’s presidency. He supported the founding of UCO’s nationally acclaimed Student Transformative Learning Record (STLR), created in 2012, and the undergraduate research-focused Office of High Impact Practices in 2014.

Throughout his presidency, Betz has also been an engaged supporter of student activism and causes.

He recognized the establishment of

UCO’s first Indigenous People’s Day in 2016, oversaw the opening of the BGLTQ+ Center in 2017, spoke out in support of students impacted by President Donald Trump’s repeal of DACA and spoke up for freedom of speech on university grounds last semester when controversy erupted over creationist Ken Ham being invited to speak on campus.

Betz, 73, said that nothing prompted his decision to retire other than that he felt that now was about the right time for him to pass the position on to whoever will come next.

“I'm of a certain age now that many of my colleagues and many of my friends have been retired for quite some time,” Betz said. “I absolutely love what I do and my passion for UCO is still strong; there's a point where you realize it's time to do it.”

The 21st president of UCO will be selected by the RUSO Board of Regents. While the process is only just beginning, Betz said he intentionally gave a year’s notice to ensure that the Board had time to find a candidate that would be a right fit for the university.

“I have an interest in ensuring that this university continues to thrive,” Betz said. “So, to the extent that [the

Board of Regents] will allow me to be involved, you can count on me being involved.”

For the selection process, the regents will form a search committee and advertise the position nationally, according to RUSO Executive Director Sheridan McCaffree “We are grateful for President Betz’s leadership. He has done an

They have earned it.”

UCO’s Veteran Student Support Office works with veterans to aid their college decisions, find scholarships and provide opportunities for networking and college success.

“We help pre-college vets determine where they want to go to school, whether it’s here or not, and we have our college program, which is student support services for veterans,” said Lt. Col. (retired) Kennan Horn, director of veteran programs.

“Both of those programs fund first generation, low income or disabled veterans, or a combination of the three.”

VSS works to aid veterans through programs, student groups and scholarships as well. One of the main programs, VetHERO, helps veteran students and dependents succeed by addressing any social, academic, physical or financial needs and is run

by VA work study students.

“We have our VetHERO program which does...everything from Veteran’s Day ceremony to military appreciation programs with the athletic department and other external events with not-for-profit organizations,” Horn said.

One of the main responsibili-

ties for VSS is processing GI bills for over 700 students, according to Horn. While 500-650 of the recipients are veterans, qualifying dependents are also processed through the office.

“Dependents are on different chapters of the GI bill sometimes, and there are some scholarships that are out there that members that are Chapter 35 recipients,” Horn said.

“We’ve been recognized as one...of the schools in the country that our students receive the most of those scholarships.”

Students can also join the Central Veterans Student Organization, the UCO chapter of Student Veterans of America. The group provides a network for students during and after college and coordinates campus activities and involvement for members.

Veterans Upward Bound, also known as STRIPES, is a federally funded program also designed to help student veterans succeed, find options for college and gain financial assistance or scholarships. VUB is under TRiO, a group of programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education, which also includes Upward Bound Math and Science,

outstanding job growing the engagement of UCO’s students, alumni and donors,” McCaffree said. “His forward thinking for innovation, collaborative research and increasing STEM graduates is evidenced with the new Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Research Center. He leaves very big shoes to fill for UCO’s next president.”

President Betz meets with faculty and staff in April 2016 to discuss UCO’s budget shortfalls (Vista Archives).

UCO Recognized for Service to Veterans Megan Thele

@1bigtimenicole Copy Editor

The University of Central Oklahoma was recognized for its service to Oklahoma veterans by Gov. Mary Fallin at the inaugural Force 50 Foundation awards.

At the banquet, UCO President Don Betz accepted the award and Mark Kinders, Ed.D, received honors as well.

Kinders, UCO Vice President for Public Affairs and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, received a medallion and commendation from Fallin for his role as co-chair of the Veterans Access Task Force.

“I have witnessed first-hand the physical and mental challenges that veterans confront, whether they served in combat or non-combat zones,” Kinders said. “When veterans stepped forward and put their lives on the line to protect our nation, they were promised quality, easily accessible health care after they were mustered out. Because of my own family and military experiences, I am committed to ensuring that promise is kept for Oklahoma’s veterans.

the McNair Scholars Program, Educational Talent Search, Educational Opportunity Centers and Supportive Educational Services.

Student Support Services Serving America’s Leaders Using Transformative Education (SSS SALUTE) is another program to aid academic success, but also create engaged leaders and citizens in the campus and local communities.

UCO’s service to veterans has been recognized by multiple publications, especially Military Times Best for Vets. Horn said UCO ranked 10th last year, an improvement from the university’s debut at 41st in 2013.

“We’ve gotten progressively better over the years,” Horn said. “I think we debuted at 41 and nobody else in the state in the four year large public institution, or private for that matter, that I know of has ranked higher than 40th. We have done very very well.”

The Veterans Access Task Force ensures Oklahoma’s veterans have easy, equitable access to healthcare, regardless of where they live, according to Kinders. Similarly, the Force 50 Foundation works to provide basic needs, care and special wishes for veterans, homebound and terminally ill individuals and their families.

Sports

5

June 26, 2018

SPORTS

Crockett Catches Opportunity

Josh Crocket, No. 6, breaks a tackle before being stopped just short of the end zone. UCO defeated Emporia State 53-52 Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017. Crockett is fighting for a roster spot with the Kansas City Chiefs (Vista Archives).

Jonathan Goudeau @Goudeau_jdg Sports Editor

Two days. That’s how long it took former University of Central Oklahoma wide receiver Josh Crockett to see a lifetime of hard work pay off.

“My journey hasn’t been easy,” Crockett said. “It’s God’s plan not mine. Sometimes things happen for a reason.”

Crockett had a strong senior season at Bristow High School, catching 81 passes for 1,583 yards and 20 touchdowns. Not only did those numbers earn him Class 3A All-Star and All-District honors, it earned him interest from Division I programs.

There was one thing holding them back from offering a scholarship: low test scores.

“I didn’t know much about the ACT,” Crockett said. “I only got to take it once.”

Bigger programs began to lose interest or stopped recruiting him all together, all except one. In December of 2012, he committed to UCO. “[Head] Coach [Nick] Bobeck stuck with me through the process,” Crockett said. “Why betray someone who has been with me through these ups and downs and still willing to

take a chance on me?”

After redshirting as a freshman, Crockett embarked on one of the best careers in program history, finishing sixth all-time in both receptions and yards.

Crockett said he doesn’t regret his decision to go to UCO. After his senior season he was invited to the Dream Bowl. The collegiate all-star game featured players from the Football Championship Subdivision, Division II and Division III, with scouts from both the NFL and Canadian Football League in attendance. He took home offensive MVP honors.

However, his performance and strong pro day wasn’t enough to hear his name called on draft day.

“It was slow,” Crockett said. “For me, it was about patience and not getting too high or too low.”

His patience began to pay off.

After the draft, he received an opportunity to move to Los Angeles and train with Oakland Raider and Moore native Isaac Whitney and coach Chris Flores from STARS (Sports Training and Rehabilitation Services). Three weeks later, he received a call from the Kansas City Chiefs, who wanted to bring him in to rookie mini-camp.

The following Monday, Crockett was in Kansas City undergoing a physical when the Green Bay Packers called.

He quickly made a strong impression on Head Coach Andy Reid and his staff.

“I caught a few passes,” Crockett said. “The big one was the one Chase Litton threw to me. I kind of went up over one of the guys’ heads and came down with the ball.”

Two days later he was signed to the Chiefs’ 90-man preseason roster.

“It was one of those things where they noticed what I could do and they took a chance on me,” Crockett said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Despite being signed for a couple of weeks now, he still can’t believe he’s an NFL player.

“It’s unreal,” Crockett said. “It’s a blessing and an opportunity I’m not going to let go to waste. Once you get in this league, it’s hard to stay in, but I want to stay in for a long time.”

His attention now turns to making the team.

“My first goal is just to make the 53 [man roster]”, Crockett said.

“Maybe have a 500-yard season as a rookie.”

The first step to achieving that goal

starts August 9 when the Chiefs play the Houston Texans in the preseason opener and Crockett’s NFL debut.

“I’m going to be excited,” Crockett said. “The big thing is keeping my composure. It’ll be my first time playing in Arrowhead Stadium and I have to figure out how to control the atmosphere and not let the atmosphere control me.”

Crockett poses for his media day picture.

He hopes to be wearing a Chiefs jersey this upcoming season. (BronchoSports)

6

June 26, 2018

NBA

Teams Improve through Draft Travis Wilson @TheVista1903

Contributing Writer

The 2018 NBA draft picks are in and some teams are ready to make an immediate impact, while others continue their rebuilding phase.

The Phoenix Suns selected University of Arizona’s Deandre Ayton with the first overall pick. Ayton has the potential to be a future All-Star and gives Phoenix a much-needed presence in the paint.

Phoenix also acquired Mikal Bridges, via trade with Philadelphia, who is a perimeter shooter, and French guard Elie Okobo. Okobo maintained a 63.4 true shooting percentage in 35 Ligue National de Basket (LNB) Pro A games last season.

The Dallas Mavericks made the first move of the draft. They selected Oklahoma guard Trae Young at the No. 5 spot.

Young led the nation in scoring and assists last season, and within

30 minutes, Dallas traded him to Atlanta. In return, they ended up with Slovenia’s Luka Doncic, who had signed with Real Madrid at age 13.

Boston emerged as a repeat title contender by selecting center Robert Williams. Williams has the potential to be the steal of the draft when it’s all said and done. He’s a lengthy shot-blocker and a finisher at the rim.

Teaming with Kyrie Irving could form a duo like James Harden and Clint Capela in Houston.

The Orlando Magic selected University of Texas’ Mohamed Bamba.

He has a 7-foot-10-inch wingspan and was the nation’s second-leading shot-blocker, averaging 3.7 blocks per game.

Orlando also added Melvin Frazier from Tulane University with pick No. 35. Frazier has a 7-foot-1-inch wingspan and a towering 8-foot-9inch standing reach.

The Portland Trailblazers made a surprise move drafting Anfernee Simmons. Simmons didn’t play col-

2018 draft prospects pose for a picture before the NBA basketball draft in New York, Thursday, June 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Kevin Hagen)

lege basketball after he decommitted from the University of Louisville amid the school’s athletic program scandal.

With the Kawhi Leonard situation, the San Antonio Spurs, for now, will look toward their No. 18 pick in guard Lonnie Walker IV. Most the Spurs wingmen are facing expiring contracts, opening immediate min-

utes for the rookie to gain experience.

Walker’s first task is to improve his defense and decision-making with the ball - a standard for San Antonio basketball.

Although the draft is over, teams are just getting started with NBA offseason, as free agency is set to begin July 1.

Thunder Hope for Late Draft Steals James Jackson

@JamesDJackson15 Sports Reporter

The Oklahoma City Thunder had the 53rd and 57th picks in the 2018 NBA draft. The 53rd pick was University of Virginia guard Devon Hall and the 57th was University of Texas-Arlington forward Kevin Hervey.

“We’re really excited about the guys that we got this evening,” said, Sam Presti, Thunder general manager. “Anytime you’re picking in the late 50s, your main objective is to try to shift the odds the best that you can and give yourself a chance at finding a player that has a chance at playing in the NBA.” Presti said that the Thunder have had luck in the second round, with players such as Dakari Johnson, Samaje Christon and Daniel Hamilton. He hopes that at least one of the two are able to receive playing time as well.

“At [Hervey’s] size of 6’9” with a wingspan at 7’3” that’s something we really look for and we value,” said Will Dawkins, Thunder vice president of Identification and Intelligence. “He’s a person that has been able to stretch floor on offense, make

some plays and cover a couple of different positons. Those are players that we are excited about, and we got an opportunity to add him to the organization.”

Hervey, who is ranked No. 45 on Sports Illustrated Top 100 prospects, averaged 20.5 points and 8.5 rebounds last season with UTA. There he set the programs record for most career double-doubles and was all-time rebounding leader, while placing second in total points scored, field goals made and field goals attempted. He fell two points shy of the school’s single-season scoring record.

After his junior season, he was named Sun Belt Player of the Year and was a first-team All-Sun Belt selection his senior year.

Despite his success in college, his draft stock was negatively affected by his previous knee injuries. Presti said had Hervey not had his injuries, he would not have been available so late in the draft. Hervey tore his right ACL his senior year in high school and his left during his sophomore year in college.

“Hervey has had some injury issues in the past, [but] he’s also a four-year player, so we’ve seen him

playing for a while,” Dawkins said.

“Hervey was someone who was asked to carry a lot of the load for his team at UTA and responded well.

Not just in conference, but when you watched some of the bigger teams he went up against, those are actually some of his better games.”

Hervey scored 24 points against University of Alabama and Creighton University his senior year.

The Thunder make him the fourth player out of UT Arlington to be selected in the NBA draft and the first since 1982, when the Dallas Mavericks selected Ralph McPherson and Albert Culton. The first player selected out of UT Arlington was Paul Renfro by the Utah Jazz in 1980.

The 6-foot-5-inch guard was an All-Atlantic Coast Conference defender and an All-ACC second-team selection. He averaged 1.8 points a game his freshman year on 40 percent shooting, but improved each season, eventually averaging 11.7 points per game shooting 45 percent from the field and 43.2 percent from 3-point range his senior season.

Along with scoring, Hall averaged 4.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game his senior year with Virginia, who was the No.1 ranked team head-

ing into the NCAA tournament.

“We had him in here for a workout [and] we actually got time with him at the Portsmouth Invitational as well, so we feel like we know him really well,” Dawkins said. “When you get guys who have been through it, played top teams in the country in ACC basketball, you’re always happy to have those guys in the program.”

The Thunder also acquired University of Kentucky redshirt freshman Hamidou Diallo. The 6-foot-5-inch, 19-year-old guard averaged 10 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists for the Wildcats, from the Charlotte Hornets. Diallo was selected by Brooklyn for Charlotte with the 45th pick of the draft.

The deal for Diallo cannot be finalized until July 6.

“We went into this draft the same way we always do: with the same amount of detail to make sure we were prepared for tonight,” Dawkins said. “We were able to come away with guys who we feel fit our program as people. [They’re] character guys that are going to come in and work and embody some things we look for on the basketball court and off the basketball court.”

Bucking Broncho

7

June 26, 2018

Sports with Derek Parker

Sports Reporter

@D_Park2

Win Some, Lose Some (NBA Style) The 2018 NBA Draft started off hot and early in a wild trade that sent third overall pick Luka Doncic to the Dallas Mavericks for Oklahoma freshman-phenom Trae Young. Here are some of the winners and losers of the draft.

Winners:

Phoenix Suns: The Suns had the grueling job this year of not messing up the first overall pick. After selecting University of Arizona center Deandre Ayton, it’s safe to say they made the right choice. While Ayton may not be as flashy as a Bagley, Doncic and Young, he has virtually zero bust-potential. At 7-foot-1-inch, the PAC-12 Player of the Year seems to be built for the NBA. The Bahamian averaged 20.1 points and 11.6 rebounds in his year at Arizona. The Suns night didn’t stop there, as they flipped Zhaire Smith, their 16th overall pick, for Mikal Bridges, the 10th overall pick. Bridges seemed to be a better fit for Phoenix, as he averaged 17.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in his junior year at Villanova University.

Atlanta Hawks: The Atlanta Hawks started out Thursday night with a blockbuster move right out the gate. The Hawks selected Doncic, a Slovenian sharpshooter with immediate impact potential, with the third overall pick. They immediately flipped him for Young, the player they had been locked on all along.

Young, who lead the NCAA in both scoring (27.4 ppg) and assists (8.7), has tremendous upside. The superstar Sooner dazzled in his one-and-done season at Oklahoma, but many wonder if his talent will translate.

Atlanta also received a 2019 first round pick in the Doncic deal, and drafted sharpshooter Kevin Huerter out of University of Maryland and Villanova’s Omari Spellman.

Dallas Mavericks: While it’s unsure now who won the trade between the Mavericks and Hawks, both teams seemed to benefit from it and had exceptional later picks. The Mavericks gained a star in Doncic, and seem to be preparing for a postDirk Nowitzki era, drafting seasoned players in Jalen Brunson and Ray Spalding. Brunson, a two-time national champion at Villanova, as well as the 2018 player of the year, should

Oklahoma’s Trae Young poses for pictures after he was picked fifth overall by the Dallas Mavericks during the NBA basketball draft in New York, Thursday, June 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Kevin Hagen)

make an immediate impact for the Mavericks.

Oklahoma City Thunder: While the Thunder didn’t have a first round pick this year, they did the most with the least this draft. OKC selected Virginia 3-and-D guard Devon Hall with the 53rd pick, and big-time scorer Kevin Hervey with the 57th. Both Hall and Hervey were seniors at their respective schools, and have plenty of experience to bring to the Thunder squad. Hall helped lead University of Virginia to the number one-seed overall in the country, while Hervey averaged 20.5 ppg and 8.5 rpg at University of Texas-Arlington. The steal for the Thunder however, was the post-draft acquisition of University of Kentucky guard Hamidou Diallo from the Hornets. Diallo was selected 45th by Charlotte, and while he had a disappointing season as a Wildcat, his athleticism is off-thecharts. Hopefully OKC can mold Diallo the way it has its other draftstars.

Losers:

Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cava-

liers entered this year’s NBA draft in a difficult situation. They had just been swept by Golden State in the finals, and are on the verge of losing the greatest player in the world to free agency. If there was ever a time to try and convince Lebron James to stay, Thursday night was the night. Trading their pick for a star or drafting a future-star to compliment James and convince him to stay seemed like a necessity for the Cavaliers. Instead, Cleveland selected 6-foot-2-inch point guard Colin Sexton out of the University of Alabama. While Sexton could eventually become a solid starter for the Cavaliers, he doesn’t exactly scream all-star. In the event James leaves, Sexton just doesn’t show the skills to lead the Cavs himself. He also doesn’t compliment The King, as he and James are both ball-dominant.

Miami Heat: The Heat did not make a single pick on Thursday night, crowning them obvious losers of the draft. This is the second time in three years the Heat haven’t made a single selection, mainly due to the

Goran Tragic deal they made with the Phoenix Suns. Miami sent Phoenix two first-rounders in exchange for the point guard, one being the 16th overall pick on Thursday, the other owned by Phoenix in 2021.

Alabama’s Collin Sexton, right, poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after he was picked eighth overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first round of the NBA basketball draft in New York, Thursday, June 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Kevin Hagen)