Cade Cunningham was
the number 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft on Thursday night. The Detroit
Pistons decided to stick with the 19-year-old mentioned as a potential top pick
before ever stepping foot on the Oklahoma State Campus.   

Cunningham
is the 3rd product of North Texas to be selected number 1 overall in the NBA draft, joining Larry Johnson (1991) and Kenyon Martin (2000). He
also became the 9th North Texan to be drafted top 5.

The
6 feet 8 inches tall point guard from Arlington lived up to expectations and
became the first-team Associated Press All-American, reports the Guardian.

Cunningham
averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists. At the draft, Cunningham
was spotted wearing a dark suit, shirt and tie with sparkles on his collars and
cuff. He accessorized his draft-night suit with a pair of Cartier C Décor glasses,
known as Buffs to Detroiters.  

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When
the top pick was announced, Cunningham was visibly emotional. He kissed his
two-year-old daughter, hugged family members and then went up on stage to don a
blue Detroit Pistons hat alongside NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

The
Detroit Pistons did not want to show their cards about their intentions with
the number 1 pick, but Cunningham, who was widely considered the best draft
prospect had made it known that he wanted to end up in Detroit. In the end, Cunningham
and the Pistons were on the same page.

“It’s
still pretty surreal to me,” Cunningham said, adding, “I know how much
responsibility comes with being the No 1 pick. I know how much responsibility a
city will put on the guy that they take No 1. I’m more than excited to take on
those tasks and try to deliver to the city of Detroit.”

Cunningham
is the first player in the history of Oklahoma State to be picked No 1 overall.
He joins a Pistons franchise that has won 20 games for two straight seasons and
has not finished better than 0.500 for five years straight.

Following
his selection, Cunningham became the face of a franchise that urgently needed a
young superstar. This is Cade Cunningham’s opportunity to become that. He has
solidified his credentials as an All-NBA talent after a standout season at
Oklahoma State which showcased his all-round game.