AUS - Boomer Newley drafted by Houston Rockets

CANBERRA (NBA) - Australia Post Boomers guard Brad Newley was selected at pick number 54 in the National Basketball Association (NBA) draft by the Houston Rockets this afternoon.

"I am absolutely over the moon," he said.

"It has been a dream of mine for a long time. I am just absolutely wrapped.

"It is a big thing for me so hopefully things work out when I get over there and play.

"I just wanted to hear my name called.

"It’s a champion club and they’ve got my rights now so I am very very happy.

"Mum had a couple of wines and we are all over the moon."

The South Australian born 22-year-old returned to Australia earlier this week after a month of intensive NBA club tryouts, including sessions with the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Newley won a Gold Medal at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games and was member of the 2007 FIBA World Championship Boomers team.

Newley, 198cm, joins 2005/06 NBA No. 1 draft pick and fellow Australia Post Boomer Andrew Bogut in the NBA.

The Houston Rockets boast 7 foot 6 Chinese star Yao Ming, six-time NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady and legend Dikembe Mutombo.

Ben Hawes
Basketball Australia