PHOENIX SUNS

Phoenix Suns select C Alex Len with the fifth pick in the NBA Draft

Jun 28, 2013, 12:12 AM | Updated: Jun 29, 2013, 1:02 am

The Phoenix Suns selected Maryland center Alex Len with the fifth overall pick in the NBA Draft on Thursday.

Len averaged 11.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game during his sophomore season in school. He was a member of the All-ACC Defensive Team as he led the conference with 2.1 blocked shots per game.

“We’re really excited to have Alex Len with the fifth pick,” Suns general manager Ryan McDonough said. “We feel like Alex is one of the top players in the draft. He’s a good who just turned 20 years old, he’s 7-foot-1, he’s extremely skilled.

“He’s had good success at the college level, but we think he’s just scratching the surface of his potential as a player, and we were thrilled to get him at five.”

The Ukrainian is a very raw talent that possesses a lot of potential. Len is very good defensively with an improving offensive game in the post. He also has the tools to be a prolific rebounder in the NBA.

He is expected to be out of action into the early part of the regular season due to a stress fracture in his left ankle.

Len may not make much of an impact for the Suns this season, but could be a cog in the middle of the paint for many years to come.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Phoenix Suns

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Should the Phoenix Suns bring back Mike D’Antoni?

As rumors continue around the Phoenix Suns and the organization's future with head coach Frank Vogel, Wolf & Luke take a closer look at a weekend headline that suggested the team bring back Mike D'Antoni.

13 hours ago

Tyler Kolek, Marquette...

Kevin Zimmerman

Seven point guards for Suns fans to know in the 2024 NBA Draft

Point guard is a pressing need for the Phoenix Suns. Who could potentially be a fit with the 22nd pick in the 2024 NBA Draft?

14 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Bickley Blast: Devin Booker has some decisions to make this offseason

In Monday morning's Bickley Blast, Dan Bickley talks about what Devin Booker has to do during his longest offseason since 2020.

17 hours ago

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards reacts after hitting a basket in the first half of Gam...

Associated Press

Anthony Edwards’ dominance continues as T-Wolves take Game 1 from Nuggets

Anthony Edwards scored a playoff career-high 43 points and the Timberwolves beat the defending NBA champion Nuggets in Game 1.

2 days ago

NBA players Kevin Durant (L) and Draymond Green attend a 2023 FIBA World Cup exhibition game betwee...

Arizona Sports

Draymond Green ‘baffled’ by James Jones’ claim on Kevin Durant not being maximized

Warriors forward Draymond Green saw Kevin Durant win two Finals MVP awards so it's safe to say he disagreed with James Jones' comments.

3 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Should Phoenix Suns draft Bronny James to lure LeBron James?

With the future of LeBron James a mystery, Burns & Gambo debate the merits of the Phoenix Suns drafting Bronny James to perhaps entice LeBron James to join his son in Arizona.

3 days ago

Phoenix Suns select C Alex Len with the fifth pick in the NBA Draft