The Santa Cruz Warriors' eight picks in the 2012 D-League draft: A closer look at Faisal Aden and Travis Leslie

The Santa Cruz Warriors had one of the stronger draft classes in the 2012 D-League draft. The following is a look at some of the draftees' connections to current Golden State Warriors and some brief background info on Faisal Aden and Travis Leslie, who both get an opportunity to show their pro potential after running into some bad luck.

2012 D-League draft grades: Ridiculous Updside gives the Santa Cruz Warriors an A

While we were making our way to Oracle Arena for GSoM Night, the Santa Cruz Warriors were in the midst of the latter rounds of the D-League draft.

And according to Gino Pilato of Ridiculous Upside, the Warriors did quite well.

13. Santa Cruz Warriors - A

The newbies (well not really) to the scene had a very impressive night in this season's draft. With the 13th overall pick the Warriors landed themselves the talented Travis Leslie. Leslie currently sits as the 8th overall prospect in the D-League and was just waived a few days ago by the Los Angeles Clippers. I felt like Leslie was a definite steal at this spot and then the Warriors backed up that selection with Faisal Aden in the 3rd round, and the 26th overall D-League prospect Durrell Summers in the 4th round. Japeth Aguilar in the 7th round helped round out the Warriors successful evening.

It was a bit of a guard-heavy draft for the Warriors - five of their eight selections were guards - but in any event it's great to see that the organization is going strong at all levels.

Santa Cruz Warriors select Travis Leslie in first round of 2012 D-League draft

With the 13th pick in the first round of the 2012 D-League draft the Santa Cruz Warriors selected Travis Leslie who most recently played 10 games for the Los Angeles Clippers last season after a three year career at Georgia.

Leslie is an athletic 6-foot-4 guard who scored 14.4 points per game on 49.2% shooting from the field in his final year at Georgia.

He also dunked on DeMarcus Cousins something vicious while in the SEC.

It should now be clear what his role in the organization is.

Santa Cruz Warriors hold 13th pick in 2012 D-League draft

The 2012 D-League draft will be held today at 4 p.m. with the Santa Cruz Warriors participating in their first draft from their Northern California headquarters. Cal products Jorge Gutierrez and DeVon Hardin are among the top prospects. For more on the Santa Cruz Warriors, check out our storystream with a visit and interview at their headquarters.