ORLANDO, Fla. (KAIT) – Another former Red Wolf is in the NBA.
Izaiyah Nelson arrived in Orlando, he’s been practicing with the Magic ahead of the NBA Summer League.
Nelson played in 101 games for Arkansas State spanning 2022 to 2025, averaging 8 points and 7 rebounds. He earned All-Sun Belt accolades in his junior season. Nelson finished his collegiate career at South Florida, earning American Conference Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Zai reflected on being picked in the 2nd Round of the NBA Draft.
“It was very emotional. Like I told the coaching staff, my great grandma, she stay 10 minutes down the street. So having them pick me, me coming here as a kid growing up all the time…It’s like dang, I’m actually playing for the Orlando Magic. I never thought this dream would come true.”
Nelson told the media at Monday’s availability to expect the same intangibles in Orlando that he displayed in Jonesboro and Tampa Bay.
“Really just bringing the same energy, like the things that I do in college. Just bring a lot of energy, have a high motor, be a pesky defender. And grab every rebound that I can. Cause that’s pretty easy, I’ve been doing it the last 4 years. So it’s like, why change it now? Just going out there, not trying to be someone I’m not. I know what I came here for, I know why they picked me. So that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to do all the little things, everything that nobody wants to do, I’m out there doing it. So it’s nothing new to me. Just show everybody who I am.”
The Magic play the Hornets in the NBA Summer League opener in Las Vegas. Tipoff is Thursday at 6:30pm on Prime Video.
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