How's this for finishing a season strong: USF junior shortstop Addison Maruszak was selected by the New York Yankees in the 17th round of Friday's baseball draft.

Maruszak, of course, traded jabs with Yankees phenom Joba Chamberlain at USF's leadoff banquet before the season, then got to meet Derek Jeter and Co. when the Bulls played an exhibition against the Yankees at Legends Field in February. Want more? Check out the May 29 edition of USF's student paper, The Oracle, where staff writer Martin Bader asked Maruszak which team he'd like to draft him.

"I don't really have a team preference, but it would be awesome to play for the New York Yankees," Maruszak told the Oracle.

One more USF-Yankees tie in: Bulls volunteer assistant Tino Martinez was the Yankees' official representative at the draft in Orlando. There's been talk that Maruszak could be drafted as a catcher, but MLB.com lists him as a shortstop in its online draft tracker.

Maruszak is the second Bulls player drafted, following right-handed pitcher Daniel Thomas (13th round, Athletics). He's the 11th Bulls player drafted by the Yankees, joining the likes of Brian Baisley and Scott Glaser in recent years.

Update: Three more signees have been taken in the late rounds, starting with King third baseman Sean Buckley, was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 29th round. Barring an unusually high offer, there's a good chance USF can convince him to stick with the college route ... same goes for a fifth signee, Alex Mendez, a left-handed pitcher from Orlando Bishop Moore who went in the 38th round to the Twins. Clearwater Central Catholic shortstop Sam Mende went in the 40th round to the Yankees.