The first Spartan is off the board with the New Orleans Pelicans selecting Michigan State's Branden Dawson. During his career, Dawson played a total of four seasons in East Lansing and was named to the All-Big Ten 2nd team during the 2014-15 season. The Spartans made the Final Four in Dawson's final season with the team.
The Pelicans snuck into the Playoffs last season, but are led by young and dominant big man Anthony Davis. Perhaps Dawson can add a significant rebounding boost to a team looking to use size to its advantage. Dawson is the 13th Spartans selected in the NBA Draft since 1999.