What to know
- The Raptors selected Allen Graves with the 19th overall pick in the first round of the NBA Draft.
- Graves averaged 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game during his freshman season at Santa Clara.
- The 19-year-old won both West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year honours.
- Graves says he’s excited to join Toronto because of the team’s family culture and passionate fan base
The Toronto Raptors selected forward Allen Graves with the 19th overall pick in the first round of the NBA Draft on Tuesday night.
The 19-year-old out of Santa Clara University stands at 6-foot-9 and is coming off an impressive freshman season with the Santa Clara Broncos.
Despite playing just one season of college basketball, Graves emerged as one of the draft’s more intriguing prospects thanks to his strong analytical profile.
Last season, he averaged 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting .512 from the field, .413 from three-point range, and .750 from the free-throw line.
His performance earned him both West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year honours.
Although Graves did not start regularly during his lone collegiate season, scouts have praised his well-rounded game. His ability to shoot, score, rebound, and defend makes him an intriguing addition to the Raptors’ young core.
Speaking to reporters after being selected, Graves said he’s looking forward to joining an organization known for its strong support system and passionate fan base.
“The family culture of it, that’s what I’m used to, that’s what I grew up in, so knowing that that same thing is in Toronto waiting for me is an amazing feeling,” he said.
Graves added that he’s also excited about experiencing Toronto’s “big city vibe.”
The NBA Draft continues Wednesday night with the second round, where the Raptors hold the 50th overall pick.
What’s next?
The NBA Draft continues with the second round, where Toronto holds the 50th overall selection.
For now, Raptors fans will begin learning more about the newest member of the franchise’s young core — a promising freshman who quickly turned one strong college season into a first-round NBA opportunity.
