From OU to Atlanta: 'Kito' Benson Picked By Hawks in NBA Draft

Oakland University star Keith Benson is a Hawk.

Benson, the Golden Grizzlies' top player who earned the title of after the 2010-11 season, was picked by the Atlanta Hawks in Round Two of the NBA Draft on Thursday night. He was pick No. 48.

Benson is from Farmington Hills and is a graduate of Detroit Country Day. He did not attend the draft in Newark, N.J.

Benson is the first OU player to be drafted.

"I'm really happy for Keith Benson," said OU coach Greg Kampe in a news posting on the OU Grizzlies website. "This is a dream come true for him and his family. To see a young man that I have so much respect for reach a goal in his life is very exciting."

ESPN analysts called Benson "solid," citing his height (he's 6-foot-11) and his ability to rebound and block.

On Twitter, the NBA draft was a trending topic of the night, and within minutes of the pick, the analysis of Benson's future began. Here are some of the first Tweets about the pick:

• @KINGYellowBoi ATL might have gotten best need/steal of draft in Benson.
• @MichaelCCash  After 25 years of drafting forwards the Hawks take a center....only prob is i dont know who the hell Keith Benson is...anyways welcome dude.
• @Flex_Ryan Congrats to my lil league back up Keith Benson on makin it to the draft 
• @Hometeam_BLeak  I'm cool with the Hawks pick with Keith Benson. Young big man, and active. Need to beef him up but could come in off the bench and help.
• @chadfordinsider Hawks take Keith Benson with the 48th pick. Tall, athletic but Charmin soft.
• @HawksPRGuy  Benson will wear #13 in Atlanta and participate in a rookie/free agent camp starting Monday at Philips Arena.
• @KMRothfeld Congrats to Keith Benson for getting drafted to the Atlanta Falcons. First @oaklandu player to be drafted to the NBA. Go Grizzlies!