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CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 10: Virginia Tech Hokies forward Tobi Lawal (1) during the ACC Men's basketball tournament between the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and the Virginia Tech Hokies on March 10, 2026 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Virginia Tech forward Tobi Lawal is headed to the NBA. In the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft on Wednesday night, the Dallas Mavericks used the No. 48 overall pick on Lawal.
Here’s Lawal hearing the news.
The 6-foot-8 Lawal is a native of London, but did not start playing basketball until he was 16. He moved to the United States, where he played at Lee Academy in Maine. Lawal would commit to VCU, where he played for two seasons, before transferring to Virginia Tech after the 2023-24 season.
Lawal became a starter for the Hokies in 2024-25, appearing in 30 games and averaging 12.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. In 23 games last season, Lawal averaged 12.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. For his career, Lawal shot over 58% from the field.
Lawal impressed NBA teams at the 2026 NBA Combine, recording a 40-inch standing vertical jump and a 45.5-inch maximum vertical jump. The maximum vertical jump is tied for the second-highest in the history of the NBA Combine.
While second-round NBA draft picks are not guaranteed roster spots, Lawal’s athleticism gives him a shot to become a contributor early in his career. He can play defense and run the floor. He’s an excellent finisher around the basket, but his outside shot remains a work in progress.
Lawal is the first Virginia Tech player selected in the NBA Draft since Nickeil Alexander-Walker went in the first round in 2019. Alexander-Walker was recently named the NBA’s most improved player for 2025-26.
Congratulations to Tobi. We’re pulling for you.
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