The waiting felt endless.
As pick after pick came off the board during the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft, Izaiyah Nelson sat surrounded by family, friends, and former teammates and coaches, trying to remain composed. Every selection brought a new wave of anticipation, followed by another moment of uncertainty.
Projected by many draft analysts to come off the board earlier in the second round, the former University of South Florida star could only wait and wonder if his lifelong dream would become reality.
“It was very nerve-racking,” Nelson admitted. “I’m sitting there thinking, ‘What if I don’t get my name called?’ You don’t know what’s going to happen until it happens.”
Then it finally did.
Selected 51st overall by the Washington Wizards before immediately being dealt to the Orlando Magic, Nelson’s years of sacrifice, perseverance and relentless work suddenly came rushing back in one emotional moment.
“I just started crying,” Nelson said. “I put my hands on my face and just let out a lot of tears. All that hard work and dedication really paid off.”
For Nelson, the draft represented far more than hearing his name announced. It was the culmination of a journey that began at Arkansas State before reaching new heights during a remarkable senior season at USF.
After spending three years developing under head coach Bryan Hodgson, first at Arkansas State and later at South Florida, Nelson blossomed into one of the nation’s most electrifying forwards. His relentless motor, highlight-reel dunks and defensive intensity helped transform the Bulls into one of the country’s biggest success stories.
USF captured the American Athletic Conference regular-season championship, won the conference tournament and earned a coveted NCAA Tournament berth, while Nelson emerged as both the team’s emotional leader and one of the conference’s premier players.
Looking back, Nelson believes that season gave him the confidence to believe he belonged among basketball’s elite.
“It did a lot,” he said. “We had amazing teammates and an amazing coaching staff. Coach B trusted me to be that voice and be that leader. I’m very grateful he took a chance on me.”
Izaiyah Nelson credits Hodgson for preparing him not only to excel in college, but to navigate the demands of professional basketball.
“He runs his program like the NBA,” Nelson said. “If you tell him you want to play in the NBA, he’s going to push everything out of you because he knows what it takes. You have to drop your pride, trust the coaching and be willing to learn.”
That preparation became invaluable on draft night.
As Nelson waited for the phone to ring, encouragement came from everyone around him. Friends repeatedly reminded him that his opportunity was coming, helping him stay positive despite the anxious wait.
When the call finally arrived, another surprise followed.
Although Washington officially selected him, Nelson’s agent quietly informed him that he had actually been acquired by Orlando — a team that initially didn’t own a second-round selection but acquired one specifically to draft him.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Nelson said. “Orlando didn’t even have a pick, and then they bought a pick and got me. It was a fantastic feeling.”
The destination couldn’t have been much better.
Rather than moving across the country, Nelson will remain in Central Florida, just over an hour from the USF campus where he became an NBA prospect. Even more meaningful, much of his family already calls Orlando home.
“My great-grandma lives about 10 minutes away,” Nelson said. “I can go have dinner with my family whenever I get the chance. That’s real nice.”
Since draft night, life has changed dramatically.
Nelson laughed while describing the more than 1,000 congratulatory text messages still waiting on his phone. Although responding to everyone has been nearly impossible, he has made it a priority to thank the people who supported him throughout his journey.
The excitement has quickly shifted toward basketball.
The Magic drafted Izaiyah Nelson because of the qualities that made him one of the most energetic players in college basketball — his relentless effort, defensive intensity and infectious enthusiasm.
“They want what I did at USF,” Nelson said. “The hard work, the motor and the energy I bring. I want to be the loudest guy out there and do whatever I need to do to make the team better.”
Nelson knows earning a permanent place on Orlando’s roster won’t happen overnight. After signing a two-way contract, he’ll likely split time between the Magic and the Osceola Magic while continuing his development.
He’s embracing every part of the process, though.
“You’ve got to stay confident,” Nelson said. “There are going to be ups and downs. You might be in the G League. You might not be playing. You just have to trust yourself, trust the work and keep stacking days.”
He’s equally realistic about where his game must improve. While he considers finishing around the basket one of his greatest strengths, Nelson wants to become a more complete player by refining his three-point shooting and ball-handling.
Still, those improvements don’t diminish his excitement for what’s next.
“I’m getting to play basketball,” Nelson said. “I love this game. Summer League is right around the corner, and I’m just very, very excited.”
Magic fans can expect the same high-energy player who thrilled USF fans throughout last season.
“A lot of dunks, a lot of energy and a lot of emotion,” Nelson promised. “Whatever I was doing at USF, I’m going to do it on the big stage.”
His motivation, however, extends well beyond basketball.
Growing up in a single-parent household and losing his grandfather during his freshman year in college continue to inspire him every time he steps on the court.
“I think about my mom, my siblings and my grandpa every game,” Nelson said. “I play every game like it’s my last because you never know when your time is coming.”
That mindset has carried Izaiyah Nelson from an overlooked recruit to the NBA.
Now, with an opportunity waiting just down the road in Orlando, the next chapter of his remarkable journey is only beginning.
“I’m in that one percent now,” Nelson said. “I’m very grateful, I’m very excited, and I’m ready for everything.”