BALTIMORE — University of Maryland forward Jalen Smith was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft on Wednesday.
Smith is Maryland’s highest selection since 2013, when Alex Len was taken with the fifth overall pick by the Suns.
He is the 13th top-10 selection in program history.
“I couldn’t be happier for Jalen and his family tonight,” said head coach Mark Turgeon. “Jalen entered our program with a plan and put in the work to turn his dream into a reality. To be selected in the top-10 makes it that much more special. I have no doubt Jalen is destined for great things and can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future.”
The Baltimore native averaged 15.5 points in his sophomore season, 10.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. He was also a unanimous Third Team All-American and a finalist for the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award.
