DETROIT – Former Texas A&M men’s basketball forward Khris Middleton has become the latest Aggie to embark on a professional career as it was announced Wednesday he had agreed to a contract with the Detroit Pistons.
“I'm excited to be a Piston and have the opportunity to play professionally,” Middleton said. “I'm very thankful for my time at A&M and I'm looking forward to this next step in my basketball career.”
The organization did not release details of the contract with Middleton, who was selected by the Pistons on June 28 during the second round (39th overall pick) of the 2012 NBA Draft.
A 6-foot-7 forward from North Charleston, S.C., Middleton played in 87 games and drew 72 starts for the Aggies over three seasons. An All-Big 12 and all-district selection, he finished his career with 983 points, averaging 11.3 per game with 4.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists. Despite playing in just 20 games due to injuries this past season, Middleton ranked second on the squad in points (13.2) and rebounds (5.0).
Middleton became the first draft pick for head coach Billy Kennedy at Texas A&M after taking the reins of the program prior to the last season. Overall, Middleton is the 29th Aggie to be selected in the NBA Draft and the first since Chinemelu Elonu in 2009.
“I’m really excited for Khris,” Kennedy said. “He’s worked really hard this summer and all that work is starting to pay off. We wish him all the best.”
Texas A&M has enjoyed a notable recent run of success in developing NBA draft picks with five selections since 2005, including Antoine Wright, Acie Law IV, DeAndre Jordan and Elonu.
