National Basketball League star swingman Brad Newley is another step closer to playing in the NBA after being selected by the Houston Rockets in the annual draft today.

Newley, who signed with the Adelaide 36ers during the off-season after three seasons with the Townsville Crocodiles, was the 24th selection of the second round and the 54th selection overall.

The 199cm guard/small forward is the first Australian to be drafted by an NBA team since Andrew Bogut was selected first overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2005. Fellow Australian centre Luke Schenscher competed in the NBA for the Portland Trailblazers last season after signing as a free agent.

The Rockets are one of the NBA’s premier teams, having qualified for the 2007 NBA Playoffs where they were eventually defeated by the Utah Jazz in the first round. The team is highlighted by scoring machine Tracey McGrady and Chinese sensation Yao Ming.

A current member of the Australian national team, Newley was the NBL’s Rookie of the Year and Best Sixth Man in 2005, the same year he was also awarded the MVP trophy at the All-Star Game.

Most recently, Newley was selected to the All-NBL Second Team after averaging 22 points and 5 rebounds per game.

Newley was understandably thrilled with the outcome of the draft.

“I am absolutely over the moon,” Newley said.

“It has been a dream of mine for a long time. I am just absolutely wrapped.

“It is a big thing for me so hopefully things work out when I get over there and play.

“I just wanted to hear my name called.

“It’s a champion club and they’ve got my rights now so I am very very happy.

“Mum had a couple of wines and we are all over the moon.”

Overall during his 102 game NBL career, Newley has averaged 19.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.

Australian players who have competed in the NBL prior to being selected in the NBA Draft:

1997
Chris Anstey, Pick #18, by the Portland Trailblazers, then traded to Dallas Mavericks
CJ Bruton, #53, by the Vancouver (now Memphis) Grizzlies
Paul Rogers, #54, by the Los Angeles Lakers
Ben Pepper, #56, by the Boston Celtics

2002
David Andersen, #37, by the Atlanta Hawks

2007
Brad Newley, #54, by the Houston Rockets

Australian players who were drafted but did not previously play in the NBL:

1991
Luc Longley, #7, by the Minnesota Timberwolves

2005
Andrew Bogut, #1, by the Milwaukee Bucks