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Virginia Tech basketball player Tobi Lawal realizes NBA Dream after getting drafted

The Hokies' two-year starter went late in the second round on Wednesday night.
ByScott Roche|
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Jan 21, 2026; Syracuse, New York, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies forward Tobi Lawal (1) reacts to a call during the second half against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
Jan 21, 2026; Syracuse, New York, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies forward Tobi Lawal (1) reacts to a call during the second half against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images | Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

It was no surprise that Virginia Tech forward Tobi Lawal was not drafted on the first night of the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night. However, several mock drafts were high enough on Lawal to the point where he could hear his name called on Wednesday night in the second round.

A lot of drafts had him going to any number of teams, but in the end, he went right around where a lot of mock drafts had him, No. 48 to the Dallas Mavericks. He'll be joining new coach Dusty May, who just left the University of Michigan for Dallas to replace the outgoing Jason Kidd.

Dallas Mavericks pick Virginia Tech forward Tobi Lawal

Lawal tested the NBA waters last season, but withdrew from the Draft and returned to Mike Young and Virginia Tech for his senior season after spending his first two years at VCU. He was limited to 23 games in 2025-26 after he dealt with an injury that he suffered Thanksgiving Weekend in the Battle 4 Atlantis against Colorado State.

For the season, Lawal averaged 12.3 points a game and 8.5 rebounds with 1.1 blocks in 23 games. He averaged 29 minutes a game and shot 54.2% from the field and 76.3% from the free-throw line. If there is one area of his game that needs to improve at the next level, it's on the offensive end and at the free-throw line. He shot 25% from behind the arc after shooting 37.1% in his first season of 2024-25.

Read More: Virginia Tech picks up intriguing non-conference matchup with Big Ten sleeper

Lawal impressed at the NBA Draft combine with his vertical testing, which opened some eyes. One thing he'll do for the Mavericks is rebound the ball and alter shots with his wingspan, but as mentioned above, his offensive game is going to have to grow at the next level, whether that's in the NBA or the G-League.

Lawal's story is something that dreams are made of. He didn't start playing basketball until he was 16 years old, and now he's a second-round NBA Draft pick. What a story.

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