Florence native, USC alum Powell goes No. 1 in D-League draft

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I talked to Florence native Carlos Powell about a week ago and he said he was still weighing his options - a look from other NBA teams, going back overseas, or trying the NBA Development League again - after being cut by the Phoenix Suns in the preseason despite impressing many in the process.

On Thursday the Wilson High graduate made it clear he still sees the NBA in his near future. He was taken No. 1 in the NBA D-League draft by the Albuquerque Thunderbirds, whom he will display himself with while hoping to receive a call-up to the NBA.

Powell played in the D-League two years ago (was actually the second pick that season) before heading overseas for a year. He scored over 20 points per game in his first stint in the D-League but did not receive a call-up. With Powell going to the D-League rather than going overseas again, it's clear he believes he'll get the call this time.

It all comes down to money. And the former Gamecock took a virtual pay cut to try to keep his dream alive for this year.

Players with his skills can make a lot more money overseas than they will in the D-League. However, the D-League is just one step from the NBA. But with Powell it doesn't seem to be that big of a gamble. He seems on the brink of the NBA.

The Thunderbirds seem really high on him. So high, I'd imagine they probably know they might now keep him long - because the NBA could come calling. Check out these clips from the NBA D-League draft show, which includes highlights of Powell's time with the Suns:

http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2009/11/05/091105_dleague_first.nba/

Comments

[Youknowwhoitis]

We know he's good here let's see if the profesional basketbll community see's him the same way!

[Dave Wetzel]

He's a really good player. And people I've talked to who know the game on a professional level have good things to say about him. I think he's in a pretty good position right now. Guys with his will seem to stick in the NBA no matter the route. In the NBA, hard workers can always find a niche.

[i Know what to do]

That and Big time players make big time plays. if you can do that in the NBA...and you take one game at a time...you're golden