.......... "I'm just overwhelmed and blessed," he said late Thursday night. "The night was filled with anxiety and nervousness over now knowing what was going to happen. I got a text message from my agent saying that Orlando was going to pick me at No. 51. I couldn't believe it. Then ESPN went to commercial after the 49th pick. I was like, 'Please come back on so my parents and family can see it and hear it. They did and it was great."
That's a terrific peek into how big a deal this process is for guys, regardless of sport really. Most of America had left the draft by Orlando's second pick, either because of the late hour or lack of interest. For players like Osby, it was the most exciting, nerve-racking period of their life.
Think about it. You work all your life to put yourself in position to make a living doing something you really love, doing something you feel you were born to do, and the opportunity comes at some sudden moment when your name is announced on national television. So unique. It must be quite a rush.
Osby was still fielding Twitter congrats all Friday morning. Blake Griffin chimed in, as did Jeff Capel, the coach who brought Osby to OU from Mississippi State, and several current Sooner staff members and players, football and basketball alike. Osby was that popular a guy his three years in Norman, and people are that happy for him.
Nobody, of course, is happier about the situation than Osby. Another early Friday morning tweet: "Man words can't explain how my family and I feel right now! To God be the glory!"
Osby attached a picture to that last tweet. A screen shot of his profile on ESPN, the moment after his name was called. The picture had been taken before Thursday night, but you couldn't help but notice the size of his smile.
