Dan McClintock was the last Northern Arizona player taken in the NBA Draft on June 28, 2000. This story ran on the NAU website 10 years ago this week.

FLAGSTAFF – Former Northern Arizona center Dan McClintock was taken in the second round of the National Basketball Association's 2000 draft Wednesday by the Denver Nuggets with the 53rd overall pick.

“It took my breath away," said McClintock. "It was exciting to hear my name called. They do not have a true center on their roster. Hopefully, I will get a chance to compete to make the roster.”

He is the first NAU player taken in the NBA draft since Mark Stevens was taken in the fifth round with the 111^th pick of the 1980 draft by the Phoenix Suns. Tom DeBerry (8^th round, 133^rd pick, Phoenix Suns, 1976) is the only other former NAU player taken in the NBA draft.

“I am just happy I got drafted and I am going to make the best of it.," said McClintock I" came here to NAU to get my education. That was my main goal and I achieved that goal. This is gravy on the plate for me. I'll accept my role to help make Denver a better team.”

McClintock averaged 15.6 ppg. and 6.5 rpg last season for the Lumberjacks, leading NAU into the NCAA Tournament for just the second time in school history. He finished his career as the third-leading scorer in school history with 1,383 points. NAU posted a 20-11 record last season, claiming the Big Sky Conference Tournament title.