Bernard James, Military Veteran, Honored With ‘USA’ Chant Upon Being Drafted (Video)

Thursday's NBA draft was entertaining throughout, but hands down the most awesome moment came in the second round with the Cleveland Cavaliers on the clock.

The Cavs drafted Bernard James out of Florida State with the 33rd overall pick, and later flipped him over to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Tyler Zeller. No big deal, right?

Well, James happens to be a military veteran who served six years in the Air Force — which included three tours in Iraq, Afghanistan and Qatar — before pursuing his basketball career. So when James was drafted on Thursday, the Prudential Center crowd showed its appreciation, giving him a standing ovation that was accompanied by a "USA" chant.

At 27, James is by far the oldest player in this year's draft class. He is actually the oldest collegian selected in the past 20 years, surpassing Dikembe Mutumbo, who turned 25 one day after he was selected in 1991.

James isn't satisfied just yet, however. Like any military man, he's focused on the task at hand, which now involves taking the NBA by storm.

"This is just the next step," James said. "The work wouldn't be finished, it would just be beginning."

Check out the awesome moment when James got drafted in the video below.

Photo of the Day

Big night for the Rivers family.

Quote of the Day

My arm was shaking and my hands were sweaty. Got up and hugged Michael [Kidd-Gilchrist], my best friend, wanted to hug him for a minute. When my name got called, wanted to make sure he stayed close.
–No. 1 overall pick Anthony Davis, who shared a special moment with his Kentucky teammate Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who went No. 2 overall

Tweet of the Day

Roy G. Biv

Video of the Day

Impressive.