Colorado Springs 1:2 San Antonio 
Davis Legacy 1:2 Project 51O 
Santafé Wanderers 5:2 Sunflower State 
GFI 2:0 Brazos Valley 
Houston Sur 0:2 AHFC Royals 
Lubbock Matadors 1:1 McKinney Chupacabras 
Minneapolis City 3:1 RKC 
Rockford Raptors 3:2 Edgewater Castle 
Charlottesville Blues 0:3 Lionsbridge 
Mississippi Brilla 3:3 Memphis 901 
Corpus Christi 0:0 Alta 
West Texas 2:1 Fort Worth Vaqueros 
CAP 0:0 BOA 
Caravel 1:6 Estrella 
South Africa 1:0 South Korea 
Spokane Velocity 2:1 Westchester SC 
Marin 3:3 Sportivo San Juan 
Lonestar 1:1 San Antonio FC 2 
Czechia 0:3 Mexico 
Los Angeles FC II 1:0 Minnesota United II 
Academica 2:3 San Francisco City 
Ventura County Fusion 5:1 Seahorses 
Stars FC 5:2 City SC 
Khovd 1:6 Hunters 
Khoromkhon 2:4 Ulaangom City 
Sport Academy Kairat 5:0 Khan Tengri 
Yelimay Semey 2 0:3 Turan Turkistan 
FC Botosani 1:0 Dunfermline 
Al Nejmeh 1:0 Tadamon Sour 
Aktobe Jas 3:1 Arys 
The 2026 NBA Draft brought excitement and a big moment for British basketball. Tobi Lawal, a versatile forward from the UK, heard his name called, becoming part of the league’s next wave of talent. Shortly after the selection, Lawal made a powerful promise: he plans to “live” in the gym to prove he belongs at the highest level. The draft’s top pick was American star AJ Dybantsa, but Lawal’s determination stole the spotlight for fans across the Atlantic.
How Lawal Rose to the NBA Stage
Lawal didn’t take a straight path to the draft. He sharpened his skills at a U.S. college program, then declared early. Scouts praised his athleticism, defensive hustle, and ability to finish at the rim. Still, experts say he needs to improve his outside shooting and strength. Here’s what makes him stand out:
- Elite quickness for a 6-foot-9 forward
- Strong rebounding instincts on both ends
- High motor and willingness to do the dirty work
His journey from British youth leagues to the NBA stage proves that hard work can turn dreams into a draft pick.
Lawal’s Mindset: “Live in the Gym”
Right after the draft, Lawal told reporters he won’t rest. “I’m going to live in the gym until I’m ready to compete with the best,” he said. That attitude excites coaches and fans who know the NBA demands constant growth. Lawal knows he doesn’t have a guaranteed spot yet. Rookies often struggle, but his work ethic could help him earn minutes. Teammates describe him as a sponge who studies film and asks endless questions. That hunger might turn him from a draft pick into a rotation player.
What’s Next for Britain’s New NBA Star?
Lawal will join his new team for summer league action, then prepare for training camp. His immediate goal is to earn a spot in the rotation by showing he can guard multiple positions and knock down open shots. For British basketball fans, Lawal’s draft selection is another sign that the UK is producing serious NBA talent. If he truly “lives in the gym,” his name could become a familiar one around the league for years to come.