Haden, Cribbs to support Cavs

The Florida Gator is pining for a Kentucky Wildcat?

Cleveland Browns defensive back and former Florida Gator, Joe Haden will be a part of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ travel party to New York City for tonight’s 2012 NBA Draft Lottery in Times Square, which will be held prior to Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Cavaliers have the third-best odds in the league behind the Charlotte Bobcats and Washington Wizards, and hold a 13.8 percent chance of winning the first overall pick.

As part of the travel party, Haden is pulling for the No. 1 overall pick. Many NBA Draft experts expect that No. 1 overall pick to be former University of Kentucky star forward Anthony Davis.

“I hope we get one,” Haden said after the Browns’ organized team activities Wednesday. “If we do, I hope it’s Anthony Davis. That’s what I’m pushing for.”

Haden, Browns wide receiver Joshua Cribbs and former quarterback Bernie Kosar were a part of the Cavaliers’ travel party for last year’s NBA Draft Lottery. The Cavaliers left New York last year with the Nos. 1 and 4 overall picks, which they used to select point guard and subsequent NBA Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving and emerging forward Tristan Thompson.

Like last year, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert will have his son, Nick, represent the team on stage.

“It’s cool,” Haden said of the trip. “It’s a lot of fun and another day where everybody’s really, really excited to see what next year’s going to bring for the basketball team and I’m just coming off of playing football and seeing what’s up for us next year.”

Cribbs, who sprinted from the practice field to the parking lot to grab his suit after Wednesday’s OTA session, will also be on the trip. According to Haden, Gilbert was holding the jet so he and Cribbs could make the flight.

“It feels good to help represent the city and its sports,” Cribbs said. “We want the Cavs to do their best, as well as all of our sports teams. I’m just happy to tag along and help represent that. It lets me know that I’ve been doing the right things to make myself become an elite guy in the city, not just on the field, but off the field as well. It lets me know and the city know that I’m doing what it takes to be a leader.”