<a href="https://www.on3.com/db/caleb-houstan-144932/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caleb Houstan</a> saw his professional basketball dreams come true on Thursday night with the Orland Magic selecting him with the No. 32 overall pick in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft. The former <a href="http://thewolverine.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan</a> wing joins former Wolverine Franz Wagner, who Houstan replaced in the starting lineup this past season in Ann Arbor. Other Michigan alums on the roster include Moritz Wagner and Iggy Brazdeikis.



Houstan, who was a five-star signee and No. 10 prospect in the 2021 recruiting class, started 34 games at Michigan last season. He averaged 10.1 points, four rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. Houstan shot 38.4% from the field with a 35.5% mark from three-point range. He did not appear on many draft boards at the end of the season, but elected to stay in the draft. This fueled speculation that he might have a first-round promise from a team, but he ultimately slipped just outside the top 30 picks.



“The big-time skill Houstan brings is his perimeter shooting,” The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie wrote. “Hit almost 36 percent from 3 in 2021-22, largely off the catch. If his feet are set, the ball is probably going through the hole. Started the season slow but caught fire as he got more comfortable with the college game. Very simple mechanics. Less of a ball dip than most teenagers, which scales well toward getting threes off at volume. Can use a high release point because of his height, which gives him an advantage against closeouts. Made 33 percent from beyond 25 feet, per Synergy. I know he wasn’t wildly successful shooting off movement at Michigan, but Houstan’s shooting form does project to be able to do so going forward. Stays balanced coming off screens. Gets off shot quickly. I’d bet his results in the NBA will be better than his college numbers indicate.



“Plays hard on defense. Closes out hard on shooters. Uses his length well to get into his man’s face. Not an awesome defender at this point, but he’s big and long.”



<h2 id="h-the-ringer-s-take-on-caleb-houstan"><a href="https://nbadraft.theringer.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ringer’s take on Caleb Houstan</a></h2>



PLUSES



<ul><li>Good spot-up shooter with an economical shooting release. He made 38.7 percent of catch-and-shoot 3s last season, per Synergy.</li><li>One of the most savvy off-ball players in the draft. He has a natural feel for cutting to the basket. When his shot is falling, he has excellent spatial awareness and can find soft spots in the defense.</li><li>Reliable passer who limits mistakes on offense. Whether he’s attacking a closeout, running on the break, or simply spotting up from behind the arc, he tends to make the right play.</li><li>Strong team defender who constantly stays engaged in the play and makes smart rotations. On-ball, he fights hard and has good fundamentals and positioning to compensate for his lack of elite athleticism.</li></ul>



MINUSES



<ul><li>Lacks scoring ability off the dribble. In college, he didn’t have burst or advanced moves to get into pull-up jumpers. When he gets to the basket, he’s a below-the-rim finisher who is easily contested.</li><li>Limited athleticism and length puts a cap on his defensive upside, especially on the ball.</li></ul>



Coming into the evening, Houstan and Moussa Diabate were Michigan’s best shot at players being drafted. Guards Eli Brooks and DeVante’ Jones are expected to get undrafted free agent or G-League looks.

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NBA Draft: Caleb Houstan selected by Orlando Magic in second round

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