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Richaun Holmes made history Thursday night, becoming the first MAC basketball player to be drafted by a NBA team since 2003. The Philadelphia 76ers chose the former Bowling Green star with the 37th pick of the second round.
Richaun Holmes a classic Sixers pick. Great athlete. Shot blocker. And … another big! He’ll play point guard for them.
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) June 26, 2015
LETS GOOOOO PHILLY!!!!!!!
— Rich Holmes (@Rich_Holmes22) June 26, 2015
After averaging 6.5 points and 5 rebounds per game during his Sophomore season, Holmes more than doubled his scoring output the next season at more than 13 points per game and that averaged increased yet again to nearly 15 by his senior season. Last season proved to be his best, as he was named MAC Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-MAC.
The tall, lanky power forward led the MAC in field goal percentage last year at 56 percent. He also led the league in blocks per game at 2.7, which also landed him in the top 20 nationally. Holmes finished fourth in the conference in rebounds per game (8) and shot a respectable 71 percent from the free throw line.
Holmes will make his mark in the professional leagues on the defensive side. During his first game of the NBA combine, he blocked five shots in 17 minutes of play. NBA teams love his size and length - he stands at 6-foot-10 and has over a seven foot wingspan. Now that he is starting to build his skills on the offensive end, he'll certainly get a good shot at making an NBA roster, even if it's not with the Sixers.
The Sixers currently have many forwards on the roster, including fellow draftee Jahlil Okafor, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, and Thomas Robinson. Holmes will join the Sixer's Summer League team and compete for a spot on the Philly roster.