Meyers Leonard's strong sophomore season at Illinois was enough to make him the 11th-overall pick of the 2012 NBA draft as the Portland Trail Blazers used their second first-round pick on the 7-foot-1 center.
Leonard was the third center selected behind Kentucky's Anthony Davis (No. 1 overall to New Orleans) and Connecticut's Andre Drummond (No. 9 overall to Detroit).
He averaged 13.6 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game in 2011-12.
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USAToday.com had the following to say about the selection:
"Leonard is the best center on the board and has the size and athleticism to become a very good player in the league. He may take a few years to develop as he works on his body and his skills. He's far from a finished product, which makes him a nice contrast to Lillard. Leonard had a rough childhood and it's good to see him find a bright future. Grade: B-"