Daniel Hamilton's gamble of leaving UConn early paid off with him being selected in the NBA Draft late Thursday night.

The Denver Nuggets selected the 6-foot-7 swingman late in the second round, taking him 56th overall, and then sold his rights to Oklahoma City.

He's the 20th UConn player to be chosen on draft night since 1999 and 41st overall in program history.

Hamilton begins his professional basketball career where UConn coach Kevin Ollie spent his last season in the NBA in 2009-10.

Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti was asked what he liked about Hamilton during a press conference in Oklahoma City.

"Versatility, size for the position," Presti said. "Needs some development, but one of the things that we take a lot of pride in is continually to work with guys. ... We want to be a place where people get better. We want to be a place where players improve.

"And I think Daniel has an opportunity to do that. He's got size and skill, I just think he needs some more time."

Hamilton, who spent draft night at home in Los Angeles, had a productive sophomore season, averaging 12.5 points while leading the team in assists (4.7) and rebounds (8.9), but shot only 38.7 percent from the field and made a team-high 85 turnovers. He joined Ben Simmons of LSU as the only Division I players in the country to pile up at least 450 points, 300 rebounds and 150 assists.

He earned American Athletic Conference second-team honors. When the Huskies captured their first conference tournament championship, he was named most outstanding player. UConn finished 25-11 and reached the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Like teammates Rodney Purvis and Amida Brimah, Hamilton decided to test the NBA Draft waters. But he was only one to sign with an agent and forgo his remaining college eligibility, even though Ollie recommended that Hamilton return to UConn.

Hamilton worked out for over 10 NBA teams during the pre-draft process. He was considered a second round pick at best.

Judging from draft history, Hamilton has a tough road ahead. He can lean on his brother, Jordan, a 24th pick by Dallas in 2011, for advice.

UConn players generally have gained traction on the NBA level as first round picks, but not been as fortunate as second round choices.

Since 1995, out of seven second round picks, three — A.J. Price (52nd, 2009), Jake Voskuhl (33rd, 2000) and Donny Marshall (39th, 1995) — experienced more than one season in the NBA.

Khalid El-Amin (34th, 2000) played 50 games before enjoying a very successful career overseas. DeAndre Daniels (37th, 2014), Denham Brown (40th, 2006) and Doron Sheffer (36th, 1996), who is now retired, have no NBA experience on their resume.

Out of that second round group, only Daniels and El-Amin left school early. Daniels is still in the Toronto Raptors' organization, competing on the team's development league team last season.

Time will tell if Hamilton can buck the trend. Chances are a stint in the development league is in his future. Thunder coach Billy Donovan is certainly familiar with Hamilton's game after coaching against him while at Florida.

Former Providence coach Tim Welsh, a college basketball analyst for Comcast Sports New England, ESPN and SportsNet New York, talked about Hamilton's potential before the draft.

"Daniel is interesting because of the fact he has a big upside and he's young," Welsh said. "He still hasn't grown into his body physically yet. Teams are taking chances on guys like Hamilton and placing them in Europe or the D-League and giving them some money and keeping them in the organization.

"You've seen some guys move up that way and get better."

g.keefe@theday.com