Nerlens Noel's vow to teams that passed on him: 'I'll make them pay'

Nerlens Noel had every reason to believe he would be the first pick of the 2013 NBA Draft but, after he was slowly passed over by a couple of teams, it was apparent the 6-11 big man would become the focus of the night for all the wrong reasons—and that includes being traded.

After five picks in Thursday nights' NBA draft — with a camera continually directed on the young man's perplexed face —  the Kentucky star finally heard his name when the New Orleans Pelicans selected him with the sixth pick.

When the snubbed Noel realized he'd be teaming up with last year's No. 1 pick, Anthony Davis, he found a reason to force a smile. "I'm just happy to be with the Pelicans," said the semi-enthusiastic Noel.

Before you could say Twin Towers, that consolation was over.

The Pelicans dealt Noel and a 2014 first-round draft pick to the Philadelphia 76ers for Jrue Holiday and this year's 42nd pick.

Which is why Noel will have one goal when takes the court next season.

"I'm going to make them pay," Noel said of the teams that passed on him.

The Sixers took a big chance on Thursday when they traded their best player to land Noel, but if he makes good on his promise, it will be well worth it. Noel has the potential to be one of the most athletic centers in the league. His combination of speed, size, and athleticism could make him a franchise changing player if he can return from his ACL injury to be the player he was at Kentucky.

Noel will have every chance to make good on his word. The Sixers traded their franchise player to get Noel, effectively handing the team to him. When he's healthy, he'll start, and he'll be the focal point of the team.

Now Noel has to be true to his word and prove those teams wrong.

Nerlens Noel needs help picking out NBA Draft Day outfit

The hoop dreams of NBA Draft Day can sometimes turn into recurring nightmares for a lot of the young draftees when they look back at the ill-fitting fashion disasters they chose to wear on their big day.

As in the tradition of high school portraits and senior prom poses, these fashion statements can come back to haunt you forever in pictures and on film.  So it only makes sense to take care with what you wear.

Before these guys get the big bucks to pick and roll in the NBA, some are left to pick and choose at the tall and big man shops.

One of the top picks in this year’s Draft looks to be Kentucky big man Nerlens Noel. And while he waits to find out which team will be drafting him, he’s currently figuring out what to wear — and the selection isn't too shabby. Which is where his Twitter followers come in. He is asking fans for their help in choosing his ensemble for the evening.

Nerlens has his choices narrowed down to three suits, pictured below. The first two looks are by Jhoanna Alba, and the third is by Roger Mischel. All three look great, but Nerlens can only rock one on draft night. Cast your vote and watch the 2013 NBA Draft on Thursday night to see what he wears.

What to wear??? Vote for @NerlensNoel3's #NBADraft Night suit! http://t.co/WmbM3mS9Vv
— NBA (@NBA) June 24, 2013

Suit No. 1: Designer – Jhoanna Alba ALBA -  The Look of Your Legacy

Suit No. 2: Designer – Jhoanna Alba ALBA -  The Look of Your Legacy

Suit No. 3: Designer – Roger Mischel