Colleges

FSU's Thornton expected to go in first round

The forward would be the first Seminole to be picked that early since 1995.

By Brian Landman
Published June 28, 2007

Florida State forward Al Thornton is a social science major, so there isn't a really good reason for him to be up on history.

But that subject is sure to come up at tonight's NBA draft. Thornton's a slam dunk to leave his mark in the Seminoles' record books like few players have done before.

Barring an unprecedented plunge, he should go in the top half of the first round, perhaps at No. 12 to Philadelphia, and become the first Seminole selected in the NBA's opening round since Bob Sura 17th overall in 1995.

"I really haven't thought about it like that, " he said in a recent telephone interview.

Others sure have.

"Any time you're trying to restore the tradition of a program like we're trying to do, it's always a positive when you can have players achieve something, " FSU coach Leonard Hamilton said. "And I think Al's a poster child for doing things the right way."

Thornton, 23, demonstrated rare patience compared to so many of his peers by eschewing the draft last year so he could continue to work on his game and his academics.

The 6-foot-7, 221-pound Thornton averaged career highs in scoring (19.7 points) and rebounds (7.2). He dramatically improved his shooting range, hitting 36 of 81 3-pointers, more than doubling his career total. He was first-team All-ACC, runnerup for ACC player of the year and third-team Associated Press All-America, the first Seminole to make one of the AP's teams.

"Credit my coaching staff, " Thornton said. "They've prepared me well. They've pushed me. I love playing basketball, and I got better each and every year."

Added Hamilton: "Al's come as far as any player I've been associated with, but a lot of that is because he put in the time and the work and his parents have been very supportive and allowed him to maintain a level head. That's why he's put himself in a pretty good position."

Thornton remained in Tallahassee throughout the spring so he could work toward finishing his degree requirements. He said he needs six more hours to finish.

"I like the fact that he's 23 years old, " ESPN analyst Jay Bilas said. "That's a plus for him because he can come in right away and he's a man and he's ready to roll. He's a guy that people talk about, 'Well, what about his ball (handling) skills?' He's going to come in and make plays."

And make some history.

Times staff writer Antonya English contributed to this report. Brian Landman can be reached at landman@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3347. Read his Florida State blog at www.blogs.tampabay.com/Seminoles.

[Last modified June 27, 2007, 23:30:21]