With the No. 7 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats selected Congolese forward-center Bismack Biyombo. The Bobcats acquired the pick from the Sacramento Kings in a draft day trade.
Biyombo was 2011's prospect almost no one had heard of in 2010. Hailing from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Biyombo zipped from the Yemeni pro leagues to Spain's top division (the ACB) in just months, knocking down every hurdle in his way with what's reported as uncanny maturity, leadership and -- of course -- outrageous athleticism and length. In April, Biyombo became the first player to ever register a triple-double at the Nike Hoop Summit, as the big man rejected 10 shots attempted by American high schoolers.
Questions about Biyombo's age have circulated, but his agent had made results of a bone age study available, allaying most serious concerns that Biyombo was 22 or older instead of his listed 18. The most popular NBA comparison for Biyombo is Ben Wallace. Skeptics bring up Saer Sene, who has much taller than Biyombo.
For more on the Bobcats, visit SB Nation's Charlotte blog, Rufus On Fire.
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