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Jalen McDaniels becomes first Aztec forward since Kawhi Leonard to be selected in NBA Draft

Nearly 10 years ago, former San Diego State men’s basketball forward Kawhi Leonard established himself as one of the best athletes to ever don the Scarlet and Black.

In June, Jalen McDaniels became the first SDSU forward since Leonard to be selected in the NBA Draft.

McDaniels was taken 52nd overall by the Charlotte Hornets after a two-year stint on the Mesa.

The four-star recruit quickly became one of the Aztecs’ rising stars in 2017-18 after redshirting as a freshman one year prior.

In his first career start against Wyoming on Dec. 27, 2017, McDaniels turned heads by posting six points and 10 rebounds.