BROOKLYN, N.Y. –  Villanova's Cam Whitmore was selected by the Houston Rockets with the No. 20 overall selection in the 2023 National Basketball Association held Thursday evening at Barclays Center.
 
The 6-7 Whitmore was tabbed the 2023 BIG EAST Freshman of the Year after averaging 27.3 minutes, 12.5 points and 5.3 rebounds in 26 games. An injury to his right (shooting) thumb in October kept him sidelined for eight weeks. The native of Odenton, Maryland (Archbishop Spalding High School) did not make his Villanova debut until a Dec. 5 victory over Oklahoma at Wells Fargo Center.
 
"We're thrilled for Cam as he begins his professional journey," stated Villanova head coach Kyle Neptune. "The Rockets are getting an outstanding player and person. Cam has rare talents that will translate very well to the NBA."
 
Whitmore becomes the 14^th Wildcat to have heard his name called at the NBA Draft in the 21^st century. That group includes:
 
2021: Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (No. 32 overall; traded from New York Knicks to Oklahoma City)
 
2020: Saddiq Bey (No. 19 overall; traded from Brooklyn to Detroit)
 
2019: Eric Paschall (No. 41 overall; Golden State)
 
2018: Mikal Bridges (No. 10 overall; traded from Philadelphia to Phoenix)
 
2018: Donte DiVincenzo (No. 17 overall; Milwaukee)
 
2018: Omari Spellman (No. 30 overall; Atlanta)
 
2018: Jalen Brunson (No. 33 overall; Dallas)
 
2017: Josh Hart (No. 30 overall; traded from Utah to Los Angeles Lakers)
 
2015: Darrun Hilliard (No. 38 overall; Detroit)
 
2009: Dante Cunningham (No. 33 overall: Portland)
 
2006: Randy Foye (No. 7 overall; Boston traded to Minnesota)
 
2006: Kyle Lowry (No. 24 overall; Memphis)
 
2001: Michael Bradley (No. 17; Toronto)