When Bogut heard his name announced, he leaped to his feet and hugged his parents and received congratulations from his coach and agents, while four women on the front row of the balcony — his sister, two aunts and his agent's wife — cheered wildly.

He put on one of the purple Milwaukee hats that were quickly distributed to his table, shook Stern's hand and posed for a picture before making the rounds for ESPN-TV, ESPN radio and interviews with the print media.

Bogut was excited when he saw the Bucks jersey with his name on the back and said he was "95 percent sure" he would choose No. 6 as his number, which he first wore as a child.

Bogut publicly encouraged free agent Michael Redd to re-sign with the Bucks and said he feels the two will make each other better players. He also said the Bucks will have a good chance to make the playoffs next year.

When asked about the fact that the Bucks don't have a coach, Bogut said he wasn't worried.

"Mr. (Larry) Harris is one of the best GMs in the league," he said."That organization is very well put together, and I think those guys will find a great coach."

Giacoletti, who had so much to do with Bogut's rise to the top of the NBA Draft, stayed on the floor throughout the first round before joining the Boguts for a party later.

"I'm just so happy for Andrew and his family," said Giacoletti."They're special people. They reared him in such a way that he's a great person and he's taken care of himself both on and off the floor. It's a great story."

---

E-mail: sor@desnews.com