By Jim Taylor
trailblazers.com


New York, NY -- Speculation turned to reality Thursday night as the Portland Trail Blazers selected Ohio State center Greg Oden with the first pick in 2007 NBA Draft.

Oden, along with Texas freshman Kevin Durant, were the focus of one the most intense debates in NBA Draft history of which franchise-making player would be taken first.

"I know we're going to be connected for a long time now," said Oden. "So, Kevin Durant and Greg Oden, you just have to get used to the names together."

As expected the Seattle SuperSonics snapped up Durant, the NCAA College Player of the Year, with the second pick.

"He's a really, really good player," said Oden. "I'm a pretty decent player, so I hope things work out. I would love to get way more championships than him."

Oden joins a rapidly improving Portland line-up which includes Brandon Roy, the NBA Rookie of the Year, and LaMarcus Aldridge, a first-team NBA Rookie Team selection.

"Just being around those guys, they're all really great," said Oden. "They did have a bad rep, but I think Brandon and LaMarcus kind of turned that around. I'm hoping I can come in and just help push that along some more."

Oden is excited to begin his professional career after leading Ohio State to the NCAA Championship game that ended in a loss to Florida.

"I think the next level is going to really difficult, but I think as long as I improve and keep working hard I can play pretty well," said Oden.

Does being the number one pick in the draft take the sting out of the Buckeyes loss to the Gators?

"No, not at all, I still lost," said Oden. "They still won two National Championships, in a row, and that doesn't change. This feels good, but it's two different categories. I'm always going to have that memory of that loss forever.

Oden, who's battling a cold, might be in need to a little rest and relaxation after an exhausting few weeks leading up the draft., but still has a sense of humor at his post-draft press conference.

"I think I get like two days to relax before I have to start practicing for Summer League," said Oden. "Hopefully, I get to go back and pack because I think I get kicked out of my apartment the 6th and I don't think they want to have to throw my stuff out."