Former Tustin Star Gottlieb Selected First in USBL Draft

Oklahoma State point guard Doug Gottlieb, who starred at Tustin High, was selected first overall Tuesday in the United States Basketball League draft by the Oklahoma Storm.

“Any time you’re the first pick, it’s a great honor,” Gottlieb said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s the ABL, the CBA or the USBL.”

Gottlieb, second in the nation in assists this season at 8.6 per game, is hoping the USBL will lead him to the NBA.

“My goal is to show the NBA people the part of my game I didn’t show them in college,” said Gottlieb, who helped lead the Cowboys to the Elite Eight at the NCAA tournament this season.

The expansion Storm, which opens its two-month season April 23, will play in the 2,500-seat Mark Price Arena in Enid, Okla. One of the Storm’s assistant coaches is Price’s father, Denny, one of the country’s top shooting coaches. Price will undoubtedly concentrate on Gottlieb’s free-throw shooting. Gottlieb shot only 45% from the free-throw line in his Oklahoma State career and 38% from the field.

“This gives me a chance to work with Denny every day for three months,” said Gottlieb, who averaged 5.9 points this season. “He told me I’m one of his projects.”

Gottlieb recently returned from the Portsmouth Invitational tournament, an NBA pre-draft camp. He was selected third-team all-tournament.

“I was pleased with my adjustment to the next level,” Gottlieb said. “The pro game may be more suited to me. I just need to show I can make the shot so my man doesn’t double down.”