Another NBA Summer League has come and gone in Las Vegas—some former Virginia Tech players are looking to make an NBA roster in the fall.
Former Virginia Tech players Tobi Lawal, Tyler Nickel, and Sean Pedulla, the latter two of whom left via the Transfer Portal to finish their college careers elsewhere, are making the case for two NBA teams to face difficult decisions for the 2026-27 season.
How did former Virginia Tech basketball players fare in the 2026 NBA Summer League
Let's start with the latest former Hokies, Tobi Lawal. Selected in the second round, 48th overall, by the Dallas Mavericks, Lawal struggled at times in Las Vegas. As was mentioned when he was drafted last month in Brooklyn, New York, Lawal is going to be fine on the defensive end and on the boards. It's the other end of the floor where he is going to need to improve if he's going to make an impact at some point in Dallas. An unfinished product, there is a lot to like about his game; it's just a matter of improving in some key areas.
Picked at No. 47, right before Lawal, was former Hokies sharpshooter Tyler Nickel by the NBA champion New York Knicks. His shot selection over the last 10 days should not surprise Virginia Tech fans. He shot 46 of his 56 field attempts from behind the arc and made 19, which was 41%. Nickel was better on the defensive end than some thought he would be, but if he shoots the ball like that, he'll find his way into New York's rotation next season in certain situations.
Finally, Sean Pedulla, who played his final college season at Ole Miss in 2024-25, signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Clippers last winter and played really well for their G League, the San Diego Clippers. He was named the G League Rookie of the Year in April and made his NBA Debut in March against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In Las Vegas, he closed out his Summer League with 24 points and 11 assists in an overtime win over the Sacramento Kings, 128-120. He has a real shot at making the Clippers roster out of camp in the fall.
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