Newz Forum: BASKETBALL: Celtics sign all three first-round picks

Boston, MA (Sports Network) - The Boston Celtics Saturday signed all three of their first-round selections to contracts.

As per team policy, none of the deals were disclosed. Boston drafted high schooler Al Jefferson with the 15th pick, Saint Joseph's Delonte West at No. 24 and Tony Allen from Oklahoma State with the 25th pick in the first round.

Jefferson, who was an early entry candidate into the 2004 NBA Draft, averaged 42.6 points and 18.0 rebounds during his senior year at Prentiss High School. The 6-10 Jefferson was named Mr. Basketball in the state of Mississippi and was chosen as Conference MVP in all four seasons of high school. West, a 6-4 guard, spent three seasons with the Hawks before declaring for the draft.

As a junior, West averaged 18.9 points per game, and along with Player of the Year Jameer Nelson, helped lead Saint Joseph's to an undefeated regular season. The Hawks eventually lost to Oklahoma State in the regional final. Allen played with the Cowboys for his final two collegiate seasons and the 6-4 guard scored 15.3 points and hauled in 5.5 boards per game during his career. During his senior campaign, he scored 16.0 points per game and guided Oklahoma State to the 2003-04 Final Four where the school lost to Georgia Tech.

In other news, Boston made a qualifying offer to center Chris Mihm. In 54 games last year, Mihm averaged 6.1 points and grabbed 5.1 rebounds.