Former UT basketball players Jarnell Stokes and Jordan McRae were drafted in the second round of the NBA draft with the 35th and 58th overall picks, respectively, on June 26.
Stokes was initially drafted by the Utah Jazz, but subsequently traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, who will receive a 2016 second round pick in return.
Stokes had a productive career at Tennessee and was most known for his penchant for snagging down rebounds. Last season, Stokes averaged 15.1 points and 10.6 rebounds per game as a junior. He tied with UT’s Bernard King for most double-doubles in a season by a Vol with 22. He also set Tennessee records for most rebounds in a season (392) and offensive rebounds in a season (155).
“I was somewhat shocked I didn’t make it in the first round, ” Stokes said in a Grizzlies press conference June 27, “but I couldn’t picture a better scenario and landing here … I like to compete and I will definitely use that as a chip on my shoulder.”
Stokes decided to forgo his senior season with Tennessee and declared early for the draft. He believed he could be taken in the first round, but ultimately fell to the second.
“When I found out Memphis had traded for the pick it definitely made the night worth waiting for,” Stokes said. “I felt like a couple teams in the first round passed on me and that shows me that I have a lot more to prove than what I did in college. I’m looking forward to getting back in the gym and being a workhorse.”
Stokes’ teammate, Jordan McRae, was also traded shortly after being drafted Thursday night. McRae was drafted by reigning champion San Antonio Spurs with the 58th overall pick in the second round. He was then immediately traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.
McRae was a four-year player for Tennessee, averaging 18.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game as a senior. He finished 16th on Tennessee’s all-time scoring list with 1,521 career points.
The lanky 6′ 6″ guard believes he can contribute to his new team, which drafted five players, by taking advantage of every moment.
“I think I can help out on the defensive end of the floor a lot by being long and athletic,” McRae said in the 76ers press conference. “Being a first year guy you got to have a lot of energy out on the floor. My ability to put the ball in the basket is there too.”
The 2014 draft is the first since 2002 that two Vols have been selected.
