With the 60^th pick of the 2012 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Robert Sacre, a seven foot center out of Gonzaga University. Okay, here’s the real deal.

Rob Sacre and the legendary Reggie Miller joke around before the NCAA tournament in March

Congratulations to Rob for making it to the next level. That is quite the accomplishment, and a hard earned pick that numerous athletes never even come close to. With that being said, Sacre was the last player to be drafted on Thursday. I honestly didn’t even think he would get drafted, so kudos to him for surpassing my expectations, and I’m pretty sure many others as well.

The thing is, before the 2011-2012 season, I thought for sure Big Rob would be a force to reckon with, would easily make it professionally, and would be a solid NBA pick, but after this winter, I was convinced he would have to attempt an overseas career if he wanted to continue playing basketball. The guy has the physical body to play the game, and is a great free throw shooter, but for his size, he does not do what he needs to in the paint to be effective.

Also, I don’t think Rob is athletic enough to play against a lot of these guys in the NBA. He is a very fundamental player—not exactly the essence of the NBA—and he takes too long to react in the paint offensively; another issue if he wants to be a presence on the court.

When my dad asked me a few days ago what I thought would happen with Rob as far the draft was concerned, I said there is no way he gets drafted. “He needs to go play in Europe and maybe he will develop after two or three years and then can make in in The League, but as of now, he’s not ready.”

Clearly, the Lakers didn’t have the same take on Rob. Good for him, good for them. (I really don’t like the Lakers, so honestly I’m not thrilled Rob is destined to wear purple and gold.) On a side note, we can all remember the last time LA had a Zag on their roster—Adam Morrison won two titles with them, while riding the pine.

Let’s hope Rob can blossom into a well-rounded NBA player and show the world what can come out of a lot of hard work in Spokane.