Rocket Man from UCF

Although it was disappointing for former Knight Jermaine Taylor to have to wait until the second round to hear his name called in Thursday nights NBA Draft, it should be well worth the wait.

Taylor was initially drafted by the Washington Wizards, who already have the oft-injured, but very talented Gilbert Arenas at shooting guard. Washington decided to deal Taylor to the Houston Rockets, who are coming off a solid showing in the playoffs.

"Jermaine Taylor was one of the best scorers in college this past year," Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey said. "Very strong, can shoot, athletic - a guy that faced significant defensive attention, double and triple-teams, but played well when he played against top opponents."

Taylor should vie for some immediate playing time next to Tracy McGrady, as Houston has a who’s who of virtual nobody’s at shooting guard which include the likes of Von Wafer, Brent Barry, and James White.

"He’s a scorer," Morey told reporters. "He’s a guy we can give the ball to and he can beat his man. He’s somebody who’s very hard to guard. We just feel like with Tracy McGrady a little bit questionable at the start of the year, that offensive punch Jermaine can bring is a need we have."

Although few players drafted ahead of Taylor had his credentials, he will now have an opportunity to show each of the NBA teams who passed on him what they will be missing.