With the 10th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, the Hornets selected guard Austin Rivers from Duke University. Rivers becomes the Hornets' 13th Lottery pick in franchise history and first selection from Duke.
"This is who we wanted (at number 10)," said General Manager Dell Demps. "We were impressed by him during his workout and we're excited to bring Austin to New Orleans."
"I have known Austin and his family for a long time," Head Coach Monty Williams said. "He is a stand-up young man and brings the type of character and talent we are looking to add to this team."
"It is an amazing feeling to be drafted and it's something I have been waiting for my entire life," Rivers said. "I love the city, the people and they have a great fan base. The team has some solid pieces and a great Head Coach and great GM."
In his only collegiate season, Rivers (6-4, 200) was an NABC Third Team All-American selection and led the Blue Devils in scoring with 15.5 points per game, just the third freshman in school history to do so.
The Winter Park, Fl. native finished ranked in the top five in seven different freshman categories in school history: points (3rd), points per game (3rd), free throws (1st), attempts (1st), three-pointers (5th), double-figure games (3rd), and 20-point games (5th). The 19-year-old posted a career-high 29 points and hit a game-winning three-pointer to beat then-no. 5 North Carolina on February 8, 2012.
With his selection, Rivers, whose father is ex-NBA player and current Boston Celtics Head Coach Doc Rivers, makes 10 consecutive NBA Drafts where the son of a former NBA player was selected.
The Hornets will also pick 46th in tonight's draft and selected 1st overall (Anthony Davis) as well, marking the first time in franchise history the Hornets have held two Lottery selections in the same draft. The last time the Hornets had three picks in the same draft was in 2006 (12th, 15th and 43rd).