The Shadow
BROOKLYN – Virginia Tech forward Tobi Lawal heard his name called with the 48th pick Wednesday night in the 2026 NBA Draft as he was selected by the Dallas Mavericks. The London native, who starred at Tech for two seasons becomes the first Hokie to be drafted since 2019.
Lawal was one of 73 athletes invited to the NBA Combine in May where he impressed scouts with his athleticism, with a measured max vertical leap of 45.5 inches. This past season, the 6-foot-8 London native started 17 times in 23 appearances and averaged 12.3 points per game while shooting 54% from the field. His rebounding mark of 8.5 per contest ranked in the top 10 amongst ACC athletes and he recorded 15 rebounds on two occasions. He scored in double figures 14 times and eclipsed the 20-point mark three times.
He played for the Hokies each of the last two seasons after beginning his collegiate career at VCU.
