University of South Florida forward Izaiyah Nelson is heading to the NBA, staying in his home state following a draft-night trade. The Washington Wizards selected Nelson with the 51st overall pick in the second round on Wednesday night before trading his draft rights directly to the Orlando Magic.
Breaking a 16-Year Draft Drought
Nelson’s selection ends a 16-year draft drought for the South Florida basketball program. He is the first Bull to hear his name called since 2010, when the Memphis Grizzlies drafted first-team All-Big East guard Dominique Jones in the first round.
Nelson is the ninth player in USF history to be drafted, and just the third to be selected within the first two rounds. His spot at No. 51 ties all-time leading scorer Charlie Bradley for the third-highest draft pick in university history.
On the court, Nelson put together a historic campaign, becoming the first player in American Athletic Conference history to earn Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year honors all in the same season. He was the first player drafted out of the AAC this year, and the second collegiate player chosen from outside of the Power Five conferences.
Nelson anchored the Bulls by leading the conference with 9.6 rebounds per game while averaging 15.9 points on 56.1 percent shooting from the field. His presence above the rim was unmatched nationally, as he led the entire NCAA with 89 dunks.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
