The dream became a reality Thursday night at New York City's Madison Square Garden. Unlike most of his counterparts, Blake Griffin didn't have to wait too long to hear his name called.

With the first pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Clippers selected the former OU star, making him the highest selected Sooner in school history and the highest pick in Big 12 history.

"I'm really excited. Its like a dream come true," said Griffin during a teleconference with Oklahoma media following what has been a whirlwind of a day. "You think about this (being selected No.1) when you're little and then to finally have this. I don't have words to explain it."

The All-American averaged 22.7 points and 14.4 rebounds per game during his sophomore year, en route to a clean sweep of every National Player of the Year honor. The six-foot-ten, 248 pound native Oklahoman also led the nation in rebounding during the 2008-09 campaign while also leading the nation in double-doubles.

Griffin proved why he was the first player selected in this year's draft, setting career highs for points and rebounds (40 points and 23 rebounds) and breaking the school record for double-doubles in a season.

His sights are now set on the Hollywood hills, but his main thoughts centered around getting back into the gym.

"I'll be going out there tomorrow and I'll probably be out there for awhile," Griffin said. "Hopefully be able to get into the gym and workout but then we have the press conference with the Clippers on Monday."

Although he will be joining a team that went 19-63 last season, Griffin remains optimistic about the future.

"It's a great opportunity (playing for the Clippers). I'm really excited about it and hoping for the best," he said.

As for the process of the NBA Draft, Griffin admitted it is pretty tiring.

"It's been fun, but certainly gets exhausting. It seems like we've been going since seven this morning," Griffin said. "It's definitely a business."

And how about the feeling of hearing his named called as the number one pick?

"It's great. I was a little speechless at first but now it's a great feeling."

Taylor Griffin

After watching his little brother, Blake, go first overall in the 2009 NBA draft. Taylor Griffin had his time to shine Thursday night during the second round.

Griffin was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 18th pick in the second round (48th overall).

The senior from Oklahoma City averaged 9.6 points and 5.8 rebounds during the 2008-09 campaign.

This comes after the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters made the elder Griffin their top “draft pick” and inviting him to its training camp in Sayville, N.Y., earlier this week.