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Ugonna Onyenso Selected by Pistons in NBA Draft
The 22-year-old center arrives after a winding college path and a series of trades on draft night.
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Surprise Selection at 53rd
Ugonna Onyenso heard his name called at the 53rd spot in the 2026 NBA Draft and found himself headed to the Detroit Pistons after a chain of trades that moved his rights from the Houston Rockets through the New York Knicks. The 22-year-old had expected to go undrafted or fall all the way to the 60th pick, so the moment left him without much visible reaction on stage.
Road Back Through Virginia
Onyenso had feared his professional prospects were finished after a low-output stretch at Kansas State, where he posted 2.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 24 games. A transfer to Virginia revived his season and produced 6.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game along with an ACC All-Defensive team nod. The performance restored his belief that an NBA opportunity remained possible.
Filling a Defensive Role
Now tasked with helping replace the shot-blocking presence the Pistons lost in the Isaiah Stewart trade, Onyenso is working on adjusting to the faster pace of professional play. He is focusing on timing blocks, securing rebounds and handling pick-and-roll situations at game speed while continuing his development under coaching guidance in the preseason.
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