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Draft Picks Sorber and Barnhizer Embrace Thunder Culture

Brooks Barnhizer became the first Northwestern Wildcat drafted into the NBA since 1999 when the Oklahoma City Thunder picked him on Thursday night.
Barnhizer entered the draft after a senior season cut short by a January foot injury that required surgery, limiting him to 17 games.
Last season, he posted career-best averages across multiple categories, including just over 17 points, nearly 9 rebounds, more than 4 assists, upwards of 2 steals, and approximately 1 block per game, while playing a key role in guiding Northwestern to two NCAA Tournament appearances.
OKC Thunder Wire graded Barnhizer's selection a C-, calling him "an older prospect with little physical tools" but noted he is a tough-minded defender and selfless player.
Barnhizer joins the Thunder on a two-way contract and will have the chance to develop under general manager Sam Presti and veterans Lu Dort and Alex Caruso.

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Woodward News

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Brooks Barnhizer drafted by Oklahoma City Thunder in 2nd round — the 1st Northwestern player picked since 1999

Brooks Barnhizer’s Northwestern career ended prematurely, but the 6-foot-6 wing made a little history Thursday night as the first former Wildcat to be picked in the NBA draft this century. The champion Oklahoma City Thunder selected Barnhizer with the No. 44 pick in the second round. The senior from Lafayette, Ind., is Northwestern’s first draftee since Evan Eschmeyer in 1999 and only the second in the last 40 years. Barnhizer’s final college se…

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