By Izaiyah Nelson’s Journey From USF Star to NBA Dream Becomes Reality
For Izaiyah Nelson, hearing his name called on NBA Draft night wasn’t just the culmination of one memorable season at the University of South Florida. It was the payoff for years of perseverance, sacrifice and unwavering belief in himself.
“It really didn’t feel real,” Nelson said. “It was very emotional for me because it was just so unreal. It shows that hard work, grinding, keeping your head down and trusting the process really pays off.”
Nelson’s path to the NBA was anything but conventional.
After beginning his collegiate career at Arkansas State, where he spent three seasons developing his game, he transferred to USF for his senior year. Under head coach Bryan Hodgson, Nelson blossomed into one of the nation’s most dynamic forwards and one of the best players in the American Athletic Conference.
The high-flying forward emerged as the emotional leader of the Bulls, helping guide USF to an unforgettable season that included an American Athletic Conference regular-season championship, a conference tournament title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Nelson credits that season with giving him the confidence he needed to reach basketball’s highest level.
“It did a lot,” Nelson said. “We had amazing teammates, an amazing coaching staff, and Coach B trusted me to be that voice and be that leader. I’m very grateful that he took a chance on me.”
His relationship with Hodgson extended beyond one season. Nelson had played for Hodgson dating back to Arkansas State, giving the veteran coach a unique understanding of how to push him.
“He runs his program like the NBA,” Nelson explained. “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, be willing to learn, and trust that he’s trying to make you better.”
That preparation proved invaluable as draft night arrived.
Like many projected second-round prospects, Nelson endured an anxious wait as picks continued to come off the board. Several mock drafts had him projected to be selected earlier in the second round, making every passing selection increasingly stressful.
“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.”
Nelson watched the draft surrounded by family, former teammates, longtime trainers and members of his coaching staff. Their presence helped calm his nerves as they repeatedly reassured him that his opportunity was coming.
When it finally did, the emotions overflowed.
“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.”
The evening became even more memorable moments later.
Nelson was officially selected 51st overall by the Washington Wizards, but before anyone else in the room knew what had happened, his agent quietly informed him he had actually been acquired by the Orlando Magic.
“I had to turn my phone all the way down so nobody else could hear it,” Nelson recalled. “I was just sitting there trying to take it all in.”
The surprise made the moment even sweeter.
Earlier in the pre-draft process, Nelson had worked out for Orlando despite the Magic not owning a second-round selection. When Orlando acquired a pick specifically to draft him, it reinforced how much the organization valued his game.
“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.”
Remaining in Central Florida also carries personal significance.
USF sits only about an hour from Orlando, allowing Nelson to remain close to the university where he became an NBA prospect. Even more meaningful, much of his family already lives in the Orlando area.
“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 joked that his phone has been flooded with more than 1,000 congratulatory text messages from family, friends and supporters. Despite the overwhelming response, he’s determined to acknowledge everyone who helped him reach this point.
“I try to go back and thank everybody,” he said. “It means a lot.”
The Magic made it clear what attracted them throughout the evaluation process. They weren’t simply drafting statistics—they were drafting energy, effort and relentless competitiveness.
“They want what I did at USF,” Nelson said. “The hard work, the motor and the energy I bring. I walk into the building every day with a smile, and I want to be the loudest guy out there and do whatever I need to do to make the team better.”
Nelson understands the NBA presents an entirely new challenge. Whether his development takes place primarily with Orlando or its G League affiliate in Osceola, his mindset won’t change.
“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, injuries happen. You just have to trust yourself, trust the work and keep stacking days.”
He also knows where his game still needs to improve. While he believes finishing at the rim is already one of his greatest strengths, he plans to focus on expanding his perimeter shooting and ball-handling to become a more complete player.
As excited as he is about development, Nelson is simply eager to compete.
“I’m getting to play basketball,” he said with a smile. “I love playing this game. Summer League is right around the corner, and I’m just very, very excited.”
Magic fans can expect the same explosive player they watched dominate at USF.
“A lot of dunks, a lot of energy and a lot of emotion,” Nelson said. “Whatever I was doing at USF, I’m going to do it on the big stage.”
For Nelson, however, basketball has always represented something bigger than himself.
Growing up in a single-parent household and losing his grandfather during college continues to fuel his drive every time he steps onto 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 perspective carried him from Arkansas State to USF, from college standout to NBA draft pick. Now, as he begins the next chapter with the Orlando Magic, Nelson is embracing every challenge that lies ahead.
“I’m in that one percent now,” he said. “I’m very grateful, I’m very excited, and I’m ready for everything.”
