Chad Ford's 9.0 Mock Draft is out, and the latest projection for PG Damian Lillard suggests the Weber State graduate will do as the 19th century American did, heading the call: Go West, young man, go West and play for the Portland Trail Blazers.
According to Ford's mock draft, Lillard appears the favorite over C Andre Drummond to go at No. 6 for Portland:
6. Portland Trail Blazers -- PG Damian Lillard
Analysis: The Blazers need a point guard and a big man. They'll have to make a very tough choice here between Lillard and Andre Drummond. Lillard is a steady, athletic guard who can shoot the lights out and get to the rim. Drummond is a super athletic big man who can block shots. While teams usually opt for size, the fact that Drummond is two to three years away might tip the scale toward Lillard. The Blazers, remember, aren't rebuilding, they're retooling. Dion Waiters is the sleeper pick here.
Lillard has been projected to go as high as No. 5 in the upcoming 2012 NBA draft, but regardless of where he goes in the first round, he is liable to become the highest-drafted Weber St. Wildcats player in school history.
In 1972, forward Bob Davis was selected with the 14th overall pick, in the second round, but Davis went on to play in only 9 NBA games. No Weber State grad has been drafted in the first round.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more comprehensive draft coverage, head over to SB Nation's NBA news hub.
