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UCLA Basketball in the 2017 NBA Draft recap: Four Bruins selected

By Mike Regalado

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Lonzo Ball (UCLA) is interviewed after being introduced as the number two overall pick to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Lonzo Ball (UCLA) is interviewed after being introduced as the number two overall pick to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2017 NBA Draft is now history, but not before four former UCLA Basketball players heard their names called by three different NBA teams.

This NBA Draft was about as epic and drama filled as any in recent memory, especially for the UCLA Basketball program.

Talk about a big day, the Bruins had four former players taken with two going in the first round.

On top of that, UCLA hit a milestone as they have now had 100 players taken in the NBA Draft, the first NCAA school to do that in history. Needless to say it was a good day. So let us now take a quick look at what happened in today’s draft.

Lonzo Ball (selected 2nd by the Los Angeles Lakers)

The prophecy came true and the So Cal kid is staying home to play for one of the most decorated franchises in the NBA. There did not seem to be any doubt in UCLA/Lakers fan’s minds that Ball was going to L.A., especially if you listened to Lonzo’s father.

Ball brings in an offensive arsenal which stems from unselfish play. Lonzo not only scores, but can distribute the ball with the best of them and will improve the overall production of the Lakers.

TJ Leaf (selected 18th by the Indiana Pacers)

Indiana is getting a pure scorer that knows his way around the rim. As the leading scorer on the UCLA Basketball team last season, Leaf will add some more offense to this playoff-level team.

On top of that, he has a familial connection to Indy as his dad was drafted by the Pacers back in the day. How about that?

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Jonah Bolden (selected 36th by the Philadelphia 76ers)

It stung when Bolden opted for the pros rather than playing another season with UCLA, but it is understandable. Bolden has a lot of talent and believed it could be utilized elsewhere, which is why he played in Serbia last season.

Bolden is a stretch four and has good ball-handling skills. Though he is effective under the rim, he can also shoot from outside. On top of that, his length makes him effective on defense, which opponents have a hard time getting around. Definitely a good pick up for Philly.

Ike Anigbogu (selected 47th by the Indiana Pacers)

And just like that, Indiana has something big Bruin with two of their NBA Draft picks. After taking Leaf in round 1, the Pacers could not get enough of the UCLA love and selected Leaf’s front court counterpart, Ike Anigbogu..

Ike did not play a whole lot last season, but when he did he was a force. Anigbogu has a lot of potential, but rumors have it that he would have been selected sooner if it was not for an issue with his knee.

Next: What Twitter said about Lonzo to the Lakers

And with that, UCLA now has had 100 players taken in the NBA Draft, once again making them the school that is #FirstTo100. Go Bruins!