Orlando Magic select Wesley Iwundu with No. 33 pick in NBA Draft

Wesley Iwundu’s journey to the NBA is now complete.

The former Kansas State swingman was selected by the Orlando Magic with the No. 33 pick in the NBA Draft on Thursday in Brooklyn, N.Y.

When Iwundu heard his name called early in the second round at Barclays Center, he rose from his seat wearing a blue suit and celebrated an achievement that seemed improbable not long ago. Iwundu took an unconventional path to the NBA Draft, arriving at K-State as an unheralded recruit and slowly improving until he became a legitimate pro prospect as a senior.

Viewed as a late second-rounder at best when his college career came to an end in March, his draft stock soared to the point some thought he may go in the first round.

“We were very interested in Wesley Iwundu,” said Orlando Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman at his post draft news conference. “We felt that he could very easily have been a first round pick. We are fortunate it worked out for us that he fell to 33.”

Iwundu was thrilled. He has dreamed about playing in the NBA since he first dribbled a basketball.

“It’s an exciting moment in my life,” Iwundu told reporters, “and I am ready for it.”

Thursday was a good day for Iwundu and for K-State.

Iwundu is the first NBA Draft pick the Wildcats have produced since 2008, when Michael Beasley was the No. 2 overall pick and Bill Walker went 47th. The last K-State draft choice before them was Steve Henson in 1990.

He was one of six players selected from the Big 12, joining KU teammates Josh Jackson and Frank Mason, Iowa State guard Monte Morris, Texas forward Jarrett Allen and Oklahoma State guard Jawun Evans.

The 6-foot-7, 205-pound Iwundu became a hot commodity thanks to his do-everything style. Iwundu was one of the most versatile players in this draft class. He averaged 13 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Wildcats as a senior.

“There are a lot of things I can do to affect the game without scoring,” Iwundu said. “I think I can bring that to the table with the Magic. I can do so many things with my long arms to affect the offensive player.”

The Orlando Magic went 29-53 last season and missed the playoffs. Iwundu will try to help them next season at multiple positions.

He joins Florida State forward Jonathan Isaac -- the No. 6 pick -- as an incoming rookie with the team.

“It’s a very young, athletic team with a lot to look forward to,” Iwundu said. “I think Orlando is a great city. You have got Disney World and everything there with the theme parks. I am excited to get there.”

This story was originally published June 22, 2017 at 10:11 PM with the headline "Orlando Magic select Wesley Iwundu with No. 33 pick in NBA Draft."