Collin Sexton was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the eighth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft Thursday night.
Sexton, from Pebblebrook High School, played one season at Alabama before declaring for the draft an early entry candidate. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 19.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 30 games for the Crimson Tide. He shot 44.7 percent from the field, including 33.6 percent from 3-point range.
Sexton, who led Alabama to its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2006, was the SEC Newcomer and Freshman of the Year. He was also an All-SEC First Team selection and Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention selection.
“Of all the guys I’ve coached in the [NBA], played against in the league, he was arguably the fastest guy I’ve seen with and without the basketball,” Alabama coach Avery Johnson said recently. “That’s a strong statement. But he’s got a lot of room to grow. He’s going to get better.”