BRISTOL, Conn. – Former Memphis center James Wiseman and Tigers forward Precious Achiuwa were selected in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft Wednesday.
 
Wiseman was selected second overall by the Golden State Warriors, becoming the highest draft pick in The American’s history. He was an AP Preseason All-American and was the American Athletic Conference Preseason Rookie of the Year. Wiseman averaged 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game in limited action as a Tiger.
 
The American’s 2019-20 Player and Freshman of the Year, Achiuwa was selected 20th overall by the Miami Heat. The Memphis standout was the only freshman in the nation to average a double-double with 15.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per contest. Achiuwa was a unanimous All-American Athletic Conference First Team selection.

Memphis Head Coach Penny Hardaway became the first coach to be selected in the top three of the NBA Draft and also have been the college coach of a player to be selected in the top three. Hardaway was selected third overall in 1993 by the Warriors and was traded to the Orlando Magic.
 
It is the first time that Memphis has had two picks in the same draft since 2009 the first draft with two first-round picks from Memphis since 2006.

Wiseman and Achiuwa become the first pair of teammates in conference history to be selected in the first round.

The American has now had multiple draft picks in four of the seven NBA drafts held since 2014.