Brooklyn Nets Secure Tyler Bilodeau in 2026 Draft
The Brooklyn Nets announced Tuesday that they had chosen Tyler Bilodeau with the 43rd overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, a selection that underscores the team’s intent to bolster its frontcourt with a versatile forward.
Bilodeau’s college journey began at Oregon State, where he honed his game before transferring to UCLA, the university where he ultimately led the Bruins in scoring during his final two seasons, averaging 13.1 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.
Beyond his athletic contributions, the senior earned academic recognition, being named to the Winter Academic All‑Big Ten Team, a testament to his commitment both on the hardwood and in the classroom.
The Nets organization expressed enthusiasm about adding a player who has demonstrated the ability to impact games both as a scorer and a rebounder, qualities they hope will translate quickly to the NBA.
Born in Kennewick, Washington, Bilodeau grew up watching the Pacific Northwest’s basketball culture flourish, a backdrop that helped shape his competitive drive and community ties.
His final two seasons at UCLA saw him top the team’s scoring chart, a milestone that coincided with his academic accolades, illustrating a rare combination of athletic and scholarly achievement.
A Blend of Talent and Tenacity
As the Nets look ahead to the next chapter of their rebuild, the addition of Bilodeau signals a strategic move to infuse the team with a player who brings both on‑court versatility and off‑court distinction.