The Brooklyn Nets selected UCLA forward Tyler Bilodeau with the No. 43 pick in the second round of the NBA draft on Wednesday evening. Bilodeau, a 6-foot-9 player, was chosen before the midpoint of the second round, fulfilling his expectations of being drafted.
Bilodeau's strengths include his shooting ability, particularly from beyond the arc, and his positional versatility. He led the Big Ten Conference last season with a 46.4% three-point shooting percentage and an overall field goal percentage of 51.8%. He also expressed confidence in his ability to play small forward or small-ball center.
After transferring from Oregon State, Bilodeau became a key player for UCLA in the 2024-25 season. He led the team in scoring with an average of 17.6 points per game and was second in rebounds with 5.6 per game. His season was cut short by a knee injury sustained during the Big Ten Tournament, but he has been rehabbing and strengthening his quad muscles, which he believes will enhance his explosiveness.
While defense has been noted as a potential weakness, Bilodeau's effort and improvement throughout his college career have been acknowledged. His selection marks a significant achievement for UCLA, as he is only the second player drafted in the last three years, following Adem Bona in 2024. The team's recent tournament performance has been attributed, in part, to a lack of high-end talent.