Okafor beats out former UConn teammate Gordon for ROY

http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/8440642

May 3, 2005
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports


CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Charlotte Bobcats forward Emeka Okafor has won the NBA's rookie of the year award, narrowly beating best friend Ben Gordon of Chicago Bulls, a team source told the Associated Press.

The award will be announced on Wednesday. The Bobcats have called a news conference for what they have only called "a major announcement."

Okafor, the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA Draft, led all rookies in scoring (15.9 points per game) and rebounding (10.9 rpg) and was second in his class behind Atlanta's Josh Smith in blocks (1.71). He also ranked second in the NBA with 3.8 offensive rebounds per game.

He ended his season with 47 games in double figures in both points and rebounds.

But Okafor spent the final months in a close battle with Gordon, his best friend and roommate while the two led Connecticut to the NCAA championship. Both left UConn for the NBA following the 2004 title, and they went Nos. 2 and 3 in the draft.

Gordon became a sparkplug for the Bulls off the bench while helping them into the postseason for the first time since Michael Jordan left the team. He became the first rookie to win the NBA's sixth man award Tuesday after averaging 15.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists this season.

Gordon said he had not been told that Okafor had edged him for the award.

"I'll be happy for him," Gordon said. "He had a great season. So I'll definitely give him a call and congratulate him if he wins the award."

Even with a limited supporting cast, Okafor was able to help the expansion Bobcats to 18 wins despite preseason predictions that Charlotte would be the worst team in NBA history. He helped the Bobcats to two wins over Detroit, the defending NBA champions, as well as victories over Miami and Houston.

After the season-ending win over the Pistons, Okafor said he enjoyed his rookie season.

"With an expansion team, I knew that things would be different, but I didn't have anything to compare it to," he said. "I've had a pretty enjoyable experience. I can't complain at all. I've had a great time in Charlotte this year and its only going to get better. The future is looking bright."


AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service