Posted by REGGIE MASON

Flyer Captain Is Third UD Player Drafted In The Last Six Years

BROOKLYN – University of Dayton forward Toumani Camara was the 52nd overall selection in Thursday night’s NBA draft.  Camara was selected by the Phoenix Suns.

The two-time Dayton captain is the third Flyer drafted in the last six years, and was the only player drafted from the Atlantic 10.  He is the first Flyer draft pick since Obi Toppin was a lottery pick by the New York Knicks in 2020.

Camara played his first seasons at Georgia, and after transferring to UD became a dominant defender who could guard all five positions.  After being named Third Team All-Atlantic 10 in his first year as a Flyer, he was named First Team All-Atlantic 10 as well as to the A-10 All-Defensive Team in 2022-23.

He led UD in rebounding (8.6) and steals (1.2), and was second in scoring (13.9), minutes (29.6), FG% (.546, 178-326) and blocked shots (28).  The fourth-year player from Brussels, Belgium led the A-10 in rebounding and was the only player in the league in the top 20 in both steals and blocked shots.

Camara was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Tournament Team in March, and set a tournament record by making 12 of 13 shots (92.3% FG%) against Fordham in the tournament semifinals.

Camara is the 49th draft pick in Dayton basketball history.  He is also the fourth Flyer drafted by the Suns.  Three UD Hall of Famers — Dan Sadlier (1969), Damon Goodwin (1986) and Negele Knight (1990) were the others.

COURTESY DAYTON MEDIA RELATIONS