By BOBBY HORN JR.
HIGHLANDS A University of Texas basketball star, who grew up in Highlands, will soon be calling the NBA home.
T.J. Ford, who declared for the draft after his sophomore year at UT-Austin, was selected in the first round of the NBA draft. Ford was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 8th pick overall. This past week, Ford signed a four-year deal with Milwaukee which is estimated at $7 million.
Despite being six foot tall, short by NBA standards, Ford said that he doesnt expect to have many problems in making the transition to professional basketball.
Before going to UT, Ford attended school at Highlands Elementary and Junior School. In the summer before his high school freshmen year his parents, both of whom are Sterling graduates, moved to West Houston. At Willowridge High School, he led the team to two state championships and a 62-game winning streak.
As a Longhorn, Ford led the school to their first Final Four appearance in almost a half a century as well as leading the team in scoring, assists and steals this past season. He was also named the NCAAs College Player of the Year.