Former Tennessee State star Robert Covington made history this weekend, as he became the first player from an HBCU to be drafted first overall in the NBA D-League Draft.The reigning D-League Rookie of the Year, Covington averaged 24 points, nine rebounds and two steals per game in 2013-14 playing for the Rio Grande Vipers. He will play this season as a member of the expansion Grand Rapids Drive.
Covington was one of seven HBCU alumni selected in the D-League Draft. The others include:
*Quinton Doggett, Southern by the Idaho Stampede (2nd round, 18)
*Matt Hezekiah, SC State by the Skyforce (4th round, 15)
*Kevin Thompson, Morgan State by the Canton Charge (5th round, 12)
*Brandon Goode, Norfolk State by the Philadelphia 87ers (6th round, 1st)
*Austin Witter, NC A&T by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (6th round, 14)
*Tyrell Tate, Fayetteville State by the Idaho Stampede (7th round, 3)
In case you’re wondering, Orlando Magic forward Kyle O’Quinn (Norfolk State) is the only player from an HBCU currently on an NBA Roster.