FORT WORTH, TX:  Texas Wesleyan University’s Brian Wanamaker and Jonathan Blake have both been selected in the 2011 NBA Development League Draft.  Wanamaker was selected by the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in the seventh round, while Blake went to the Canton Charge in the eighth round.
 
“We are really happy for Brian and JB,” commented head coach Terry Waldrop.  “It shows that if you work really hard and your team is known for being successful opportunity can come your way no matter what level you play at. We are certainly proud of them and look forward to seeing how they progress.”
 
Wanamaker was taken with the tenth pick of the seventh round (89th overall).  The Mad Ants are affiliated with the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, and Milwaukee Bucks.  Last season, Wanamaker was named Red River Athletic Conference Player of the Year and First Team NAIA All-American while leading the Rams to a 30-win season.  He ranked in the top-50 nationally in nine statistical categories.  He averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game while his 652 points ranked fifth in the country.  Wanamaker set TWU single-game records in free throws made and attempted by hitting 20-of-22 at Our Lady of the Lake University and free throw percentage by going a perfect 16-for-16 at the line against LSU-Shreveport. He scored in double figures in all but one game and closed the season by averaging 24 points per game in his last 12 contests.  In two seasons at TWU, he scored 1,046 points becoming the nineteenth member of Texas Wesleyan’s 1,000 Point Club.
 
Blake was taken with the second pick in the eighth round (113th overall).  The Charge are the D-League affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers.  An Honorable Mention NAIA All-American selection in his senior season, Blake averaged 13.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game last year.  He reached double-figures in scoring 24 times in 33 games played.  Blake posted eight double-doubles including a win over Texas College in which he put up a career-high 29 points while pulling down 13 rebounds.
 
Iowa State’s Jamaal Tinsley was taken with the first overall pick by the LA D-Fenders.  For a complete listing of the 2011 D-League Draft click here.  While the NBA lockout wares on, the D-League is scheduled to begin play on November 25.
 
Texas Wesleyan is coming off a 30-4 season.  At 21-1 in conference play, the Rams won their fourth consecutive RRAC Regular Season Championship.  Texas Wesleyan will tip-off the 2011-12 season on November 11, when they host Sterling College.  That game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. start.