• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 27, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

IMG Academy Scores Record for NBA First-Round Picks

  • The Florida boarding school had three alumni selected in the first round of the NBA Draft for the first time.
  • Endeavor sold IMG Academy in April for $1.25 Billion to private equity firm BPEA EQT.
IMG Academy alums Jarace Walker, Jett Howard, and Keyonte George we picked in last night's first round.
Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

IMG Academy, the Florida boarding school that sold for $1.25 billion in April, set a school record Thursday night with three alums picked in the first round of the NBA Draft.

The draft also marked the first time in IMG Academy history that it produced two lottery picks, with the Washington Wizards selecting Jarace Walker (traded to Pacers) at No. 8 and the Orlando Magic selecting Jett Howard, son of former NBA player Juwan Howard, at No. 11. 

Keyonte George, the reigning Big 12 Freshman of the Year for Baylor, was picked by the Utah Jazz at No. 16 as the third first-round pick from IMG Academy’s 2022 graduating class. IMG Academy has now produced 11 first-rounders since 2005, at least one pick in seven straight years, and four straight first-rounders. 

“If your main goal is to try to get to the NBA, I think IMG is one of the places that could put you in the best spot possible,” George told Front Office Sports before the draft. “Just as far as a mental standpoint preparing you to come into a world like this, I think it’s top of the top. I would definitely recommend it if you’re trying to better prepare yourself.”  

Howard, a member of the Big Ten All-Freshman Team for Michigan last season, is the the second son of an NBA player to be recently drafted into the league after playing at IMG Academy. Kenyon Martin Jr. was drafted in the second round in 2020 and now plays for the Houston Rockets.

“To have three first-round picks in the NBA Draft from IMG Academy for the first time is a tremendous honor for the basketball program as these selections are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes and coaches,” said Brian Nash, Director of Basketball at IMG Academy.

IMG Academy’s tuition can reach up to $89,000 per year. Endeavor, the parent company of UFC, agreed to sell IMG Academy in April for $1.25 billion to Hong Kong-based private equity firm BPEA EQT.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium

NFL Fall Meeting: 7 Big Topics Among Team Owners 

Media, facilities, and labor highlight some of the key areas of concern.
Adam Silver

Congress Wants to Hear from Adam Silver on Gambling Scandal This Week

Silver said he was “deeply disturbed” by the arrests.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.

Blue Jays’ World Series Run Is Just Part of Rogers’ Big Sports..

Buying more MLSE equity and a recapitalization of sports assets are planned.
Oct 23, 2025; Toronto, ON, Canada; Signage in place on the dug out before game one of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.
October 24, 2025

World Series Viewership Will Be Different This Year

The Canadian presence in the World Series creates a unique viewership situation.
Fred Warner
October 25, 2025

Most of the 49ers’ Record Cap Number Isn’t on the Field

The 49ers are winning despite ranking 31st on spending on active players.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
Tom Dundon
exclusive
October 22, 2025

Sale of Trail Blazers to Tom Dundon Will Take Multiple Years to..

Dundon is buying the team at a $4.25 billion valuation.
October 18, 2025

Financial Behemoth Dodgers Win NL Pennant, Eye History

The biggest spenders would be MLB’s first repeat champion in 25 years.
October 16, 2025

For Yankees, It May Be ‘Business As Usual,’ but Title Drought Lingers

GM Brian Cashman says a salary cap is not at the forefront of his mind.
Jun 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Mercedes driver George Russell (63) and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (12) celebrate their first and third place at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
October 15, 2025

Mercedes F1 Team Rides With Russell, Antonelli Despite Verstappen Link

Russell took the Formula One seat at Mercedes in 2021.