BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Tennessee forward Felix Okpara became the third Volunteer selected in the 2026 NBA Draft on Wednesday night. The Orlando Magic chose him with the No. 46 overall pick in the second round.
He was then traded to the Washington Wizards. The Wizards acquired the 46th overall pick from the Magic to select the center. In exchange for this pick, Washington traded their 51st and 60th overall picks to Orlando, according to league reports.
Okpara joins former teammates Nate Ament and Ja’Kobi Gillespie as Tennessee draft picks this year. It marked just the second time in program history the Volunteers have had three players selected in the same NBA Draft. The only other occurrence came in 2019, with both milestones achieved under head coach Rick Barnes.
The selection also continues Tennessee’s recent run of NBA success. The Volunteers have now produced multiple draft picks in consecutive years for the first time in program history. The Vols have had at least one player selected in six straight NBA Drafts.
Okpara is the 13th Tennessee player drafted during Barnes’ tenure, which has also produced five first-round selections.
The 6-foot-11 center spent two seasons with the Volunteers after transferring from Ohio State. In his final season, he developed into one of the SEC’s premier defensive big men. During his senior season, he averaged 8.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks while starting 34 games. He earned SEC All-Defensive Team honors and finished his Tennessee career as one of only four players in program history to record multiple 50-block seasons.
Known for his rim protection, rebounding, and interior defense, Okpara helped anchor Tennessee’s frontcourt during back-to-back NCAA Tournament runs.
Reports after the selection indicated Orlando agreed to trade Okpara’s draft rights to the Washington Wizards, where he is expected to begin his NBA career.
Okpara’s selection highlighted another historic draft for Tennessee.
