Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/542018
IRISH IN THE PROS the Washington Wizards, while the Brooklyn Nets picked Connaughton in the second round at No. 41 overall. "It's really truly a blessing," Grant told ESPN in his on-site interview af- ter being drafted. "Put God first, and anything can happen. I just want to come out here and prove I belong, make a name for myself here." Both players were also traded on the same night. The Wizards selected Grant for the Atlanta Hawks and the Hawks then shipped Grant to the New York Knicks for guard Tim Hardaway Jr. — so Grant is headed to play profes- sional ball in Madison Square Garden. Additionally, the Nets traded Con- naughton to the Portland Trailblazers after selecting the former Irish star. ESPN analyst Jay Bilas approved of the first round selection for Grant. Bilas, a former ACC player at Duke, was more than familiar with Grant's accolades during his first-team All- American campaign. "An excellent scorer, he knows how to score," he noted during the draft's broadcast. "A guy who's a streaky shooter, but has good range. Coming off pick and rolls, he's really, really good, and really dynamic. He can get to the rim and is an excellent finisher. He can finish in a variety of ways. "And one of the great things about Je- rian Grant is he's a passer, he averages almost seven assists per game and he's got a three-to-one turnover ratio. This young man knows how to play. He's mature, he can step in and play right away. I think he can be a very good defender. It wasn't his overall strength, but he can go get buckets for you. BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED • P.O. BOx 2331 • DURhAm, NC 27702 1-800-421-7751 • www.BlueGoldOnline.com Notre Dame Panoramic Puzzle — $19.95 each + $8.00 S&H* 1,000 Pieces • Size 39"x13" Trivia Note: This picture was actually taken at the 10-22-11 ND vs. USC game. *Puzzle may be dropshipped direct from the manufacturer. Shipping in continental U.S. only. Please add sales tax if you live in NC (7.5%), MI (6%) or IN (7%).