Knicks Select Chandler with 23rd Pick

The New York Knicks selected DePaul forward Wilson Chandler with the 23rd pick in the 2007 NBA Draft held in New York City tonight.

A 6-8 sophomore forward, Wilson Chandler decided to leave DePaul early for the NBA Draft after a season in which he led the Blue Demons in scoring (14.6 ppg), rebounding (6.9 rpg), and blocked shots (47).

"It’s a wonderful thing," Chandler told the New York crowd and national audience on ESPN. "New York is a great city. The New York Knicks are a wonderful team. Isiah (Thomas) is a good coach. There are a lot of fans here that support the team."

Chandler earned All-Big East Conference honors as he led the Demons to a 20 win season and the quarterfinals of the NIT.

"I want to come here and do good," said "Chandler. I feel like I belong here."

After just two seasons in Chicago, the athletic forward from Benton Harbor Michigan was 10th in DePaul basketball history with 86 blocked shots.

As a freshman in the 2005-06 season, Wilson led the Blue Demons in rebounding (7.2 rpg), finished second in scoring (10.6 ppg) and was a unanimous choice for the Big East Conference All-Rookie team.