By Josh Cook
It wasn't quite a championship season for the University of Kentucky men's basketball team, but it was a banner night for the program Thursday.
The Wildcats had a record five players selected in the first round of the 2010 NBA Draft led by John Wall, the No. 1 overall pick. In addition to Wall, who as everyone expected was chosen first by the Washington Wizards, UK had four more first round selections.
DeMarcus Cousins wasn't far behind Wall. The big man, who faced countless questions about his attitude entering the Draft, went fifth to the Sacramento Kings.
Forward Patrick Patterson was selected 14th, the final pick of the lottery, by the Houston Rockets.
Wall's backcourt mate, Eric Bledsoe was chosen 18th by the Oklahoma City Thunder, but he wasn't with that team long. A short time later it was announced that the rights to Bledsoe had been traded to the laughingstock Los Angeles Clippers.
Daniel Orton, who was UK's sixth man during the season, was the fifth Wildcat (and fourth former freshman) taken in the first round. He went No. 29, the second-to-last pick in the first round, to the Orlando Magic.
Former University of Louisville player Samardo Samuels, who unexpectedly entered his name in the Draft last month, was not selected in the first or second round (60 picks). He is now a free agent who is able to sign with any team.
