Cleveland to send Ejike on loan Abroad

Gibson, a native of Houston, was named an honorable mention All-American after his sophomore season at Texas, in which he averaged 13.4 points per game, shot 38 percent from 3-point range and led the team with 3.1 assists per game.

"I think he's going to be a big part of our team,'' Cavs General Manager Danny Ferry said. ``The value that he brings to our team and being able to get him at the 42nd pick, we're just very excited."

After selecting Michigan State guard Shannon Brown with the 25th pick in the first round, the Cavs projected Gibson to be the next player drafted. Ferry said there was even some talk of selecting Gibson over Brown.

But when Gibson wasn't selected late in the first round, Ferry and Assistant General Manager Chris Grant worked the phones ``aggressively'' in an attempt to move up in the draft.

It had been rumored that the Cavs made a promise to Gibson after his June 1 workout at Quicken Loans Arena that they would select him with one of their two second-round picks. Although Ferry denied an agreement was made, Gibson canceled his remaining workouts on the West Coast and did not show up at the NBA Pre-Draft Camp.

``He really shoots the ball naturally; it's comfortable, it's easy,'' Ferry said. ``Along with that, he can really motor side to side and stay in front of people. That combination for us is really important.''

Gibson will provide the Cavs with versatility in the backcourt because he has experience at both guard positions. He played point guard for the Longhorns in his freshman year but switched to shooting guard last season.

Ferry and Assistant General Manager Lance Blanks have kept a watchful eye on Gibson for some time, dating to when both worked in the San Antonio Spurs organization. Blanks and Gibson's father, Byron, both played basketball at Texas, although at different times.

It is expected that Ugboaja will be a work in progress. He probably will be left to develop overseas for one year.