Mad Ants to have first pick in NBA D-League draft

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The Mad Ants will have the No.1 pick in the NBA Development League draft next month, hoping to jump-start a franchise that has yet to make the playoffs.

Fort Wayne is entering its sixth season in the D-League. The Ants will draft first based on having the league's worst record (14-36) last season. It was also the worst record in franchise history.

“The new draft format will help us start this season off on the right foot,” Ants coach Duane Ticknor said in a release. “I'm looking forward to the opportunity to bring in an impact player who can immediately contribute and make a difference in this league.”

Ticknor will be in his first season with the Ants after being hired in the offseason. The eight-round D-League draft will take place via conference call at 7 p.m. Nov. 2. Under new league rules, no trades will be allowed during the draft. Only players signed to a standard D-League contract are eligible for the draft. The league announced the draft order and rules Wednesday.

The Mad Ants open the season Nov. 23 vs. the Erie BayHawks at Memorial Coliseum.