Bucks select VCU power forward Larry Sanders with 15th pick in draft

Bucks pick F Sanders at No. 15

MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Bucks have selected Virginia Commonwealth forward Larry Sanders with the 15th overall pick in the NBA draft.

Sanders is a 6-foot-11 forward who’ll help bolster a front court that’s lacking strong bodies behind Andrew Bogut. Sanders averaged 14.4 points and 9.1 rebounds in his junior year at VCU and is known for his defensive abilities, winning his conference’s Defensive Player of the Year award twice.

That skill set will fit perfectly in Milwaukee, where coach Scott Skiles and general manager John Hammond have put an emphasis on defense. The rebuilt Bucks won 46 games last year and reached the postseason for the first time in four years.

Hammond said that they wouldn’t be shy about picking the best player available and have three more picks, all in the second round.