The 2008 NBA draft took place a week ago, but as past drafts have shown, its ramifications are sure to last for years, even decades.

Just ask the Portland Trail Blazers, who took Sam Bowie before Michael Jordan during the 1984 draft in what is still considered to be the biggest draft-day folly ever. Or take a look at the Charlotte Hornets, who deftly drafted a guy named Kobe Bryant with the thirteenth pick in the 1996 draft, only to send him off to the Lakers for aging center Vlade Divac.

In any case, whether your team is among the winners or the losers, draft night is a big deal. And this year it was as big as it’s been in a long while for Stanford as Brook and Robin Lopez, mainstays on campus for the past two years, were taken 10th and 15th, respectively. But more than just a big night for a pair of former Cardinal difference-makers, the 2008 NBA Draft was a sign of just how highly the Pac-10’s talent level is regarded on a national level. Twelve players from the conference were selected in the draft, with seven of those going in the first round and four in the top-10 picks.

With so much attention clearly being paid to college basketball out west by NBA general managers, it’s time to take a look at the conference’s picks and how their futures are shaping up in the association. Here’s a rundown of what went down for the twins and for the rest of the Pac-10’s talent:

Brook Lopez: 10th to the New Jersey Nets

This wasn’t the best scenario possible for Brook, considering some people thought he could go as high as third to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Many GMs overlooked his numbers and performance this year, instead focusing on his workout numbers, where he did not impress as much. That said, with his sweet shot and seven-foot frame, there’s no reason Brook can’t be an effective center, or even a force, in the NBA.

As Brook’s brother, Robin, told the Associated Press: “They really picked up a steal at No. 10.”

Ironically, Brook will be teaming with Cal forward Ryan Anderson, whom the Nets selected with the twenty-first pick. The two will apparently get along, according to Anderson.

“Everyone hypes up the rivalry between the schools,” Anderson said to the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I think we have a lot of respect for each other. It was a privilege to play against him and now it will be a privilege to play with him.”

Robin Lopez: 15th to the Phoenix Suns

Many people (myself included) questioned Robin’s decision to leave following his sophomore season, but it ultimately paid dividends on draft night. This was the best-case scenario for Robin, as most thought he would go in the late first round or even possibly slip into the second. He’ll also get to learn from two of the best big men in the business: Shaquille O’Neal and Amare Stoudemire. What center wouldn’t kill for a chance like that?

USC’s O.J. Mayo: 3rd to the Minnesota Timberwolves, traded to the Memphis Grizzlies

O.J. Mayo has had a cult-like fan following since his sophomore year in high school, so it was no surprise when he was selected with the third overall pick in the draft. Some even thought that Miami’s Pat Riley would take him second over Michael Beasley. As things turned out, he was traded to Memphis a few hours after the draft concluded in exchange for Kevin Love, formerly of UCLA.

Mayo has the size and scoring ability to be a big contributor in the NBA, but I’m not sold on his ability to lead a team after watching USC this season. That said, he’s well-spoken and mature beyond his years, by all accounts, so I think he’ll do just fine in the League.

UCLA’s Russell Westbrook: 4th to the Seattle Supersonics

This may have been the biggest surprise of the draft. Named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year, Westbrook was viewed as a lottery pick, but no one thought he’d go this high.

For what it’s worth, I thought this pick was justified, as Westbrook is an elite athlete, has an incredible work ethic (he went from barely playing his freshman year to being one of the Bruins’ best players this past year) and is still improving. Most of all, he’s no fear and all swagger. Just check out YouTube and you’ll see that he has no reservations in going for a dunk on anyone.

If Westbrook polishes his offensive game, he has the potential to join the likes of Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Derrick Rose as one of the exciting up-and-coming point guards in the NBA. Maybe I’m being too hasty in making a prediction like this, but his performance (aside from free-throw shooting) was just that good down the stretch of the college season and in the tournament. I could rave about this guy for ages, but I’ll stop since our articles can only carry on so long.

UCLA’s Kevin Love: 5th to Memphis, traded to Minnesota

What else is there to say about Love? He was the media darling of college basketball this past year and it was well-deserved. Love is skilled like no other, but his size and athleticism are question marks as he takes on the next level. He’ll definitely be a solid player, but I personally would have gone against the conventional wisdom and taken a more dominant big man (i.e. Brook Lopez) if it were my decision.

Arizona’s Jerryd Bayless: 11th to the Portland Trail Blazers

I only got to see Bayless play a few times this year, but I’ve never been in love with him the way everyone else was. He’s a great scorer and quick, but many thought he was a shoo-in top-10 or even top-five pick. I think the Trail Blazers taking him at No. 11 was justified.

Cal’s Ryan Anderson: 21st to New Jersey

As mentioned before, it’ll be interesting to see Anderson and Brook Lopez suiting up together (assuming that they both get a fair share of minutes). Anderson reminds me of a poor man’s Dirk Nowitzki with his size and outside shooting. But of course, a poor man’s Dirk Nowitzki isn’t poor in the grand scheme of things — especially given the amount of money guaranteed by a first-round contract.

UCLA’s Luc Richard Mbah a Moute: 37th to the Milwaukee Bucks

If Mbah a Moute is going to make it in the NBA, it’ll be because of two things: defense and rebounding. He’s big for a small forward, he can move and he can defend after three years under UCLA coach Ben Howland, so I’d give him the benefit of the doubt when it comes to making a team.

Washington State’s Kyle Weaver: 38th to the Charlotte Bobcats

Kyle Weaver has been overlooked during his time as a Cougar, but he certainly has a good chance of making it in the pros. He’s long and athletic, and can definitely find a niche coming off the bench as a two-guard. Like Westbrook, he just has to work on his shooting and on polishing his offensive game, but the talent is there.

Oregon’s Malik Hairston: 48th to the Phoenix Suns, traded to the San Antonio Spurs

Hairston came to Oregon with the hopes of “Carmelo-izing” the Ducks, but he was nothing more than a solid player in college. If I was a gambling man (which I am), I’d bet that he won’t make it in the pros in the long run.

Cal’s DeVon Hardin: 50th to Seattle

For years, people have raved about Hardin’s size and athleticism. Unfortunately, in part due to injuries, he hasn’t realized his potential that everyone speaks of. We’ll see if he can turn it around in the NBA.

Oregon’s Maarty Leunen: 54th to Houston

He was decent in college. But decent probably won’t cut it in the NBA.