Haverhill's Noah Vonleh Drafted 9th Overall By Charlotte Hornets
BOSTON (AP/CBS) — Just a few picks after his hometown Celtics made their first pick in the NBA Draft, Haverhill's Noah Vonleh found an NBA home of his own.
The 6-foot-10 Vonleh was drafted ninth overall by the Charlotte Hornets, giving the team some added height and a potential replacement in case the team is unable to re-sign Josh McRoberts, who opted out of his contract earlier this month.
"I was a little surprised because I didn't work out for Charlotte," Vonleh told WBZ-TV shortly after being drafted. "I'm just glad I got picked up by somebody and can say I'm an NBA player now."
The 18-year-old Vonleh averaged 11.3 points and nine rebounds and was the Big Ten freshman of the year last season. He spent only one season at Indiana, but led the Big Ten in rebounds and was eighth in the conference in blocked shots.
Second-year Charlotte coach Steve Clifford emphasized size as a big need for the Hornets this offseason and Vonleh, with his 7-foot-4 wing span and 9-foot standing reach, brings just that to the table.
Vonleh also mentioned during his pre-draft workouts that he would like to expand his game, and could see himself as an NBA small forward in the near future.
Vonleh played two years at Haverhill High School before transferring to New Hampton School in New Hampton, New Hampshire, where he earned McDonald's All American honors as a senior.
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