Former Wayland Baptist University Pioneer
Robert Curtis was taken with the top overall pick in Monday night's National Basketball League of Canada draft.
Curtis was drafted by the Windsor Express but was acquired by the Saint John Mill Rats in exchange for their No. 5 overall pick and the rights to a player.
The National Basketball League of Canada is in its second year and consists of eight teams. Three draft rounds were held Monday.
Curtis, a 6-foot-10, 265-pound center from Pomona, Calif., joined the Pioneers last season during the Christmas break, having transferred from Saddleback Junior College in Mission Viejo, Calif. A junior, Curtis appeared in 16 games for Wayland, starting nine. He averaged 13.1 points per game, which tied for team-high honors, and led the Pioneers with 6.8 rebounds an outing.
Curtis opted not to return to the Pioneers for his senior season in order to pursue a professional basketball career.
"Robert had some very good moments for us last season, and we all knew he had the potential to become a professional basketball player at some level," Wayland head coach
Matt Garnett said. "We are happy to see him realize that dream and hope he finds great success in the NBL."
