Archibald makes giant leap

By Andrew McKenzie BBC Sport Online

Robert Archibald has become the first player from Scotland to step foot in the NBA.

Archibald was drafted in the second round by Memphis

The 22-year-old from Paisley came off the bench for the Memphis Grizzlies at the weekend, making him the first Scot to feature in the world's toughest basketball league.

Archibald, who began the season on the injured list with a sprained ankle, played six minutes for the NBA strugglers in a defeat to the Denver Nuggets.

He scored his only point on a free-throw before leaving the game with two fouls.

Britain's finest basketball import John Amaechi, who has played over 250 games in the NBA, paid tribute to Archibald's accomplishments.

Amaechi back in the groove

"People don't realise what a great achievement it is," the Utah Jazz centre told BBC Sport Online.

"For him to be on an NBA team. It's not something you get by being a patsy, you've got to be a talented player."

At 6 ft 11 in and 250lbs, Archibald has all the physical attributes of an NBA player, but he is also regarded as a highly agile big man with good post moves.

After four years at the University of Illinois, he was taken with the third pick of the second round (32nd overall) by Memphis in the 2002 NBA draft.

Archibald drafted by Memphis

In his senior year with the university, he led the All-Big 10 conference in field-goal percentage and was named to the All-Big 10 Third Team by coaches.

He enjoyed one of his best games against Penn State - Amaechi's old college - scoring 25 points on 11-of-12 shooting.

Archibald spent four years at Illinois University

Archibald, whose father was a professional basketballer in Scotland, moved to the US with his family five years ago.

He spent a year at Lafayette High School and helped them to a 30-2 record before earning a place at Illinois.

Archibald's hopes of increased playing time could be helped by the young Grizzlies start to the season.

They have lost their first eight games and are the only team in the league still looking for a win.

Archibald's development will be aided by NBA legend Jerry West, who came out of retirement in the close season to join Memphis as president of basketball operations.

One of Archibald's team-mates is Spain's Pau Gasol, who is one of the brightest prospects in the game and was named NBA rookie of the year last season.

Other British players to have made the NBA are Steve Bucknall, who broke new ground in 1989-90 when he featured in the same Los Angeles Lakers side as Magic Johnson.

Former England international centre Alan Bannister made the Utah Jazz roster in the early 1990s.

Los Angeles Clippers' Nigeria-born centre Michael Olowokandi, who was the top pick in the 1998 NBA draft, was brought up in England and has hinted at playing for the national side in the future.

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