NBA DRAFT: Milwaukee Bucks end Hobson’s wait in second round

Just when Darington Hobson's disappointment seemed about to sink even lower, he received the uplifting phone call he had been waiting for.

The Milwaukee Bucks were on the other end of the line with the news that they had decided to draft the one-time Western High School forward, who 3½ months ago completed a standout junior season at New Mexico.

Seconds later, deputy commissioner Adam Silver called Hobson's name as the 37th pick -- seventh in the second round -- of the NBA Draft on Thursday, and a crowd of about 100 supporters at the Porchlight Grill on West Desert Inn Road erupted.

Hobson and his father, Reggie, shared a tearful embrace. Other family members followed. A night of nervous anticipation suddenly turned festive.

"It's great," Hobson said of his selection. "But I think a lot of people made a mistake on me. I'm going to prove them wrong."

At 6 feet 7 inches, the left-handed Hobson can play multiple positions, though he will probably be used at small forward by Milwaukee coach Scott Skiles, with whom he spoke after being selected.

"He told me he's looking for foxhole guys who are going to battle every night," Hobson said. "I think I fit in well with the way they play."

Hobson went to New Mexico as a junior college transfer and led the Lobos with averages of 15.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists. He was voted Mountain West Conference Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.

Hobson worked out for 14 NBA teams and thought he had made a good enough impression to be drafted late in the first round. When the round ended without commissioner David Stern calling his name, Hobson slumped dejectedly on a couch.

It appeared his decision to leave the Lobos early had backfired; first-round picks automatically receive guaranteed contracts, but second-rounders do not.

Minutes later, Hobson's dejection gave way to elation.

"I was starting to sweat it," his father said. "Thank God he got his name called. He's worked really hard for this."

Hobson will not be lacking motivation in his attempt to make the Bucks' roster. He'll get his first opportunity to prove everyone outside of Milwaukee wrong starting July 9 when the Bucks participate in the NBA Summer League at Cox Pavilion and the Thomas & Mack Center.

For Hobson, the day was an emotional thrill ride.

"It's been a long time coming," he said. "I've had to battle a lot of adversity. A lot of people didn't think I'd make it. But I'm in the NBA and I'm glad to be a Milwaukee Buck. Now it's time to go to work."

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.