Jordan, Laury drafted by Delaware 87ers

Rysheed Jordan starts professional career as former St. John's standout was drafted by Delaware 87ers in NBA D-League Draft. Delaware also chose Iona's David Laury three picks later. (Photo courtesy of the New York Times)

Two of the best players in the New York metropolitan area last season now have a new address, a common one at that.

The Delaware 87ers added some local flavor in the first round of the NBA Development League Draft Saturday afternoon, taking former St. John's guard Rysheed Jordan with the fifth overall pick before the Philadelphia 76ers' D-League affiliate used its second selection three spots later on Iona forward David Laury.

The enigmatic Jordan, whose two-year stint with the Red Storm was remembered more for his off-court issues and being withheld from the media than for his burgeoning talent, left St. John's to pursue a professional career this past June. He ended his sophomore campaign with 14.1 points per game, second on a team that reached the NCAA Tournament for the second time in five years. The Philadelphia native follows in the footsteps of JaKarr Sampson, his former college teammate who also began his pro career with the 87ers before getting called up to the NBA.

David Laury takes his talents to professional level after three-year career at Iona highlighted by MAAC Player of the Year honors last season. (Photo courtesy of Big Apple Buckets)

Laury, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year last season as Iona successfully defended its regular season conference championship, nearly averaged a double-double in the process, contributing 19.8 points and 9.7 rebounds per game to the Gaels' 26-win outfit, which reached the postseason for a fifth consecutive year despite falling short in the MAAC Tournament. His ability to run the floor like a point guard and athleticism few players his size possess will help Delaware immediately.

Jordan and Laury were not the only local players chosen in the draft, as St. John's guard Jamal Branch was also selected, going in the third round (41st overall) to the Los Angeles D-Fenders, the affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers.