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Connecticut's Hasheem Thabeet (34) dunks the ball in front of Chattanooga's Chris Early (5) in the first half during a first-round men's NCAA college basketball tournament game in Philadelphia, Thursday, March 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)

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Memphis takes Thabeet in 2nd round

Updated: Friday, 26 Jun 2009, 9:48 AM EDT
Published : Friday, 26 Jun 2009, 9:48 AM EDT

    Memphis, Tenn. (AP) - The Memphis Grizzlies have selected 7-foot-3 Hasheem Thabeet of Connecticut with the No. 2 pick in the NBA draft, trying to improve their defense and take advantage of his shot-blocking skills.

    Thabeet missed working out in person in Memphis on Sunday. But team officials flew out to meet with him in person.

    Fans attending a draft party at the FedExForum mostly cheered the pick, though a few boos were heard.

    This is the highest the Grizzlies selected in the draft since moving to Memphis in 2001, but the third straight year drafting No. 5 or higher.

    Memphis didn't keep its top pick a year ago. The Grizzlies instead made a late night trade that sent the rights for Kevin Love to Minnesota in exchange for O.J. Mayo.


     

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