Tim Hardaway Jr. goes to Knicks in the first round

Two picks, two first rounders for the University of Michigan in the 2013 NBA Draft. Hours after Trey Burke went No. 9 overall, the New York Knicks drafted shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. with the No. 24 overall pick.

The Knicks fans in attendance in Brooklyn celebrated the pick.

"I've just been in the gym each and every day getting better. I'm working out from 9:00 to 12 every morning, lifting afterward, getting better and stronger," Hardaway told the Huge Show's Bill Simonson before the draft. "I'm improving each and every day. I go to workouts and show energy, passion for the game, and I'm very confident in my skills. I'm still just getting more consistent on my shot - I have to improve in every aspect, take it to next level so in the NBA I can provide extra energy or lift whenever I'm on the court."

Hardaway was No. 1 at the pre-draft combine in shooting drills in Chicago on day one, going 19 of 25 from three-point range May 16. He notched a 37.5-inch vertical leap and showed off his athleticism and improving ball skills.

Foregoing his senior year was a tough decision, he said.

"It was an honor and privilege to be there and play there in front of all those people, and at the University of Michigan," he said. "It was not one thing that made me leave - it was just me being confident. I don't have any regrets leaving, but Ann Arbor is a great city. I love Michigan to death. I just felt it was right for me to leave at this time, take care of my own business.

"I think I've left a great legacy at the University of Michigan. I'm proud of that program and what we've been carrying since I've been there. It's great to be part of that Michigan history. I think I showed them a guy who never gave up, never quit, was very passionate and gave it all on the court for the Michigan program. I feel happy where we've taken the program from Manny Harris to Zack Novak, to all the seniors this year."