College Hoops

2022 NBA Draft Recap: 7 former mid-major players drafted in 1st round

2022 NBA Draft Recap: 7 former mid-major players drafted in 1st round

Round One:

2. Oklahoma City Thunder – Chet Holmgren (Gonzaga)

With the second pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Oklahoma City selected former No. 1 high school prospect Chet Holmgren — the 2021-22 WCC Rookie and Defensive Player of the Year. In just one season for the Bulldogs, the 7-foot center averaged 14.1 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, and was a consensus top-three pick among scouts and analysts after a great year in Spokane.

12, Oklahoma City Thunder – Jalen Williams (Santa Clara)

Joining fellow mid-major and WCC product Chet Holmgren with the No. 12 pick in the draft, Santa Clara’s Jalen Williams is heading to Oklahoma City following a season in which he averaged 18 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 4.2 APG earning a 2021-22 All-WCC selection. At 6-foot-6, Williams brings to the Thunder an offensive threat who uses his length well, is a dynamic passer, and can play exceptionally off the pick and roll.

13. Traded to Detroit Pistons – Jalen Duren (Memphis)

Initially selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the pick, Memphis’ Jalen Duren will be heading to Detroit in a three-team trade deal which sees Duren land in an excellent spot given his talents. A 6-foot-11 center, Duren averaged 12 PPG and 8.1 RPG for the Tigers as a freshman earning the 2021-22 AAC Rookie of the Year as a dominate defensive force with 2.1 BKPG.

17. Houston Rockets – Tari Eason (LSU, Cincinnati)

While Tari Eason finished his collegiate career at LSU, the former top-100 prospect first played under coach John Brannen at Cincinnati during his freshman season. On his way to a 2021-22 SEC first-team selection, Eason averaged 16.9 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 1 APG but previously earned an AAC All-Freshman selection with 7.3 PPG and 5.9 RPG for the Bearcats.

19. Traded to Memphis GrizzliesJake LaRavia (Wake Forest, Indiana State)

A former Missouri Valley Conference standout, Jake LaRavia was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves before a subsequent trade sent him to Memphis. After being selected as a MVC All-Freshman for the Sycamores, LaRavia would see a huge uptick in production under head coach Steve Forbes averaging 14.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 3.7 APG as a 2021-22 All-ACC honoree.

23. Traded to Memphis Grizzlies – David Roddy (Colorado State)

Joining LaRavia in Memphis following a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers is 2021-22 MWC Player of the Year David Roddy after carrying the Rams to a No. 6 seed in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. A 6-foot-5 guard/forward, ‘Big Body” Roddy averaged 19.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, AND 2.9…

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