Dallas Mavericks draft British forward Tobi Lawal with 48th pick
British forward Tobi Lawal has vowed to establish himself in the NBA after being selected by the Dallas Mavericks with the 48th overall pick in the draft.
The 23-year-old was chosen by the Texas franchise during Wednesday’s second round in New York.
Having only taken up competitive basketball at the age of 16, the London-born prospect initially developed his skills at the City of London Academy.
He eventually became a two-year starter at Virginia Tech, following a high school stint in Maine and two collegiate seasons with Virginia Commonwealth University.
A relentless drive for improvement
Viewed by scouts as a raw but highly athletic project player, the 6ft 8in talent acknowledges he needs to refine his feel for the professional game.
To achieve this, the former collegiate standout plans to dedicate almost all his time to his physical and technical development.
“I hope this provides inspiration to young kids that anything is possible,” Lawal said.
“I’m touching close to what I could be and how good I could become. I definitely believe that it can help me become as great as I want to be.”
“In London it is hard to get in the gym. Now the gym is right next to my house. I love being in the gym.”
“I love growth – as a person, in my faith and as a player. Now I can do that, I’m going to live there.”
Wizards secure top prospect Dybantsa
Lawal was among 30 hopefuls selected on the second day of the draft, following a headline-grabbing opening night on Tuesday.
The Washington Wizards used the coveted first overall pick to secure 19-year-old small forward AJ Dybantsa.
Washington, coming off a dismal 17-65 season, hope the highly-rated teenager can help them reach the play-offs for the first time since the 2020-21 campaign.
Dybantsa will join an ambitious core in the capital that currently features established stars Anthony Davis and Trae Young.
Jazz and Grizzlies make early moves
With the second pick, the Utah Jazz opted for highly-touted point guard Darryn Peterson.
Their decision allowed the Memphis Grizzlies to claim Duke standout Cam Boozer with the third overall selection.
The promising power forward is the son of former Jazz star Carlos Boozer, who currently serves in the Utah front office.
Memphis also acquired five future second-round picks in a strategic move to trade back from 16th to 21st later in the first round.