Keita Bates-Diop is finally off the board.
The former Ohio State star and reigning Big Ten Player of the Year had to wait longer than expected, but finally heard his name called in the second round of Thursday's 2018 NBA Draft when the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Bates-Diop with the No. 48 overall pick.
Bates-Diop, who was projected to be selected as early as the middle of the first round of Thursday's draft, will now likely have to compete to earn a spot on the Timberwolves' regular-season roster. Nonetheless, Bates-Diop will get his opportunity to play at the next level after becoming Ohio State's first NBA draft pick since the Los Angeles Lakers selected D'Angelo Russell with the No.