Cole Aldrich Growing With 66ers

11th overall pick Cole Aldrich is improving his game during his second stint with the 66ers.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:08 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Jan 6, 2011 4:11 PM CDT

Keith Leventhal
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

TULSA, Oklahoma – It’s not often that a top 15 pick in the NBA draft isn’t on an NBA roster. But, when the Oklahoma City Thunder acquired 11th overall pick Cole Aldrich, there wasn’t much room for him on the floor.

In December, the Thunder sent Aldrich down to the D-league to get some much-needed playing time. He was called back up to Oklahoma City late in the month. But now, he’s back in Tulsa, getting some more playing time with the 66ers.

Aldrich has flourished in his time in Tulsa. In nine games with the 66ers, Aldrich is averaging 7.7 points per game, 8.4 rebounds per game, and just less than 30 minutes of playing time. Those numbers are all significantly better than the few minutes per game he was averaging with the Thunder.

Cole is taking these trips to the D-league in stride. He said he’s just happy to be playing the game he loves. And while he doesn’t know how long he’ll be in Tulsa, he said he’s just going to take this time to keep improving his game.

Aldrich and the rest of the 66ers will be back on the court on Friday night when they host Ft. Wayne.