Gordon, Lee, Hill: First-Round Talent

For locals Eric Gordon, Courtney Lee and George Hill, things really fell into place during Thursday night's 2008 NBA Draft. Gordon, the former North Central star and Indiana Mr. Basketball, became the first Indiana University player selected in the top-10 since Calbert Chaney in 1993 when the Los Angeles Clippers took him seventh overall. As for Lee, a product of Pike High School and Western Kentucky, he was the first senior guard selected in the draft when the Orlando Magic picked him with the 22nd overall selection. And not long after, Hill, a Broad Ripple and IUPUI graduate, realized his dream when the San Antonio Spurs chose him with the 26th overall pick. Hill's draft stock shot through the roof after the NBA pre-draft camp in Orlando a few weeks back. The NBA life is just beginning for these three young men, whom by all accounts are well respected for their humility and good nature. Gordon, according to sources close to the situation, already has two shoe companies vying for his endorsement services. According to the rookie pay scale, based on draft slot, Gordon will receive a contract that pays him $2.2 million next season, $2.3 million his second season and will have a player option for $2.5 million his third season. The contracts for Lee and Hill are not too shabby, either. Lee will be signing a two-year, $2 million deal while Hill, once again based on the rookie pay scale, will receive a two-year, $1.7 million deal. OTHER LOCAL DRAFT NOTES - It appears as though Carmel graduate Josh McRoberts is coming back to his hometown Pacers, although the trade is just a proposal at this point and needs to be approved by the league on July 9. The draft-night deal sent the Pacers' 11th overall selection Jerryd Bayless and forward Ike Diogu to Portland in exchange for Jarrett Jack, first-round pick Brandon Rush and McRoberts. - IU graduate D.J. White was selected 29th overall by the Detroit Pistons, but his draft rights were later traded to the Seattle Supersonics.