THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 27, 1996 TAG: 9606270593
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. LENGTH: 51 lines
Allen Iverson on Wednesday became the first guard to be taken as the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft since Magic Johnson in 1979.
Iverson, a former standout in basketball and football at Hampton's Bethel High School, is the second consecutive No. 1 pick from Hampton Roads. A year ago, Norfolk's Joe Smith was the first selection, by Golden State.
Taken by the Philadelphia 76ers, the 6-foot Iverson is the smallest No. 1 pick, edging 6-2 John Lucas of Maryland who was selected by Houston in 1976.
Iverson, the Big East defensive player of the year during his two seasons at Georgetown, averaged 25 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 3.4 steals as a sophomore.
Iverson referred both to a new era for the 76ers, a team that has lost successively more games in each of their last six seasons, and to the franchise's storied past.
``Dr. J and (Charles) Barkley, all those great players played for Philadelphia and they had some times in Philadelphia,'' he said.
``Now, it's time to bring it back. This is a new era, and we're starting off with a new organization. It's up to us. All eyes will be on us.''
Iverson, who turned 21 June 7, decided to forgo his final two seasons at Georgetown to make himself eligible for the draft.
Although many scouts believed Iverson was the most dynamic player in the draft, some questioned whether he can adapt to the role the 76ers want him to play.
Philadelphia envisions Iverson as a ``pure'' point guard who will distribute the ball to forward Derrick Coleman and shooting guard Jerry Stackhouse before looking for his own shot.
Iverson, who looked for his own shot first at Georgetown, said he would have no trouble taking on a more selfless role.
``I'm not going to change my game any, but I don't have to look to score as much as I did,'' he said. ``Now I have so many other great players on my team
``It makes it easier, not having to score so much. I think that will make me more comfortable.'' ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Allen Iverson, formerly of Georgetown and Hampton's Bethel High
School, is the first guard taken at No. 1 since Magic Johnson in
1979 - and at 6-foot is the shortest player to become a top pick in
the NBA draft. by CNB