As the 19th overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, forward Allen Graves joins the Toronto Raptors after a dazzling freshman campaign at Santa Clara.
Graves was the WCC Freshman and Sixth Man of the Year, averaging 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.8 assists while shooting 41.3% from 3-point range in 35 games. He ranked fifth in the country in PER (29.6) and eighth in box plus-minus (plus-13.4).
The 20-year-old helped the Broncos to their second-most wins in program history (26) and their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1996. He set the freshman program record for steals (67), while ranking second in rebounds (228) and third in blocked shots (33).
Graves became the Broncos' fifth first-round pick in the common era, joining Bud Ogden
(1969), Steve Nash (1996), Jalen Williams (2022) and Brandin Podziemski (2023). Santa Clara is the only mid-major program with a first-round selection in three of the last five drafts.
The 6-foot-8 Graves debuted with the Raptors in summer league, averaging 16.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, three assists, 2.2 steals and one block in four games. He scored in double figures three times, including a 22-point, 13-rebound effort on July 10.
Graves was highly touted entering the draft because of his defensive versatility and ability to otherwise impact games on that end of the court. The team can already envision him wreaking havoc in the frontcourt and is eager to see him debut next season.
Throughout September, Rookie Wire is compiling some of the most interesting facts about each first-round pick in an effort to further introduce the incoming draft class ahead of the 2026-27 season
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No. 22
Graves wore No. 22 at Ponchatoula High School (Louisiana) and last season with the Broncos, and will do so this season with the Raptors. He explained in July that he has worn it to honor a family member.
"My brother, Koce, he had passed away, and he wore 22 in high school," Graves said of the jersey number, via the NBA on X. "So, just representing him."
High School
Graves was the 2023-24 Gatorade Louisiana Boys Basketball Player of the Year, becoming the first player from Ponchatoula High School to earn the honor. He led the Green Wave to a 30-4 record and a second straight Non-Select Division I state championship as a senior.
Basketball Family
Graves' brother, Marshall, played four seasons of college basketball at LSU. His sister, Amoura, played three seasons at Auburn. He has often praised his hometown of Ponchatoula, which he estimates has about 8,000 people. He said much of the town supported him and his family throughout their playing careers and reached out to him after the NBA draft.
Mechanic
Growing up in Louisiana, Graves had several off-the-court hobbies. He revealed to Sportico earlier this summer that he worked on cars with his father, Marshall.
"I grew up being in the shop with my dad," Graves said. "I have a 1994 Ford F-150 and fixed her up. Her name is Gloria."
Volunteerism
Graves has volunteered with his family's ministry in Ponchatoula, the "Love is the Key" youth outreach. He has also donated his time to the Special Olympics and as a youth basketball camp counselor.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: 5 fun facts: Get to know Raptors' Allen Graves before 2026-27 season
