Georges Niang Drafted by Indiana Pacers in Second Round of the NBA Draft

Arguably the greatest player in Iowa State basketball history heard his name called at the NBA Draft on Thursday night, as Georges Niang was drafted 50th overall by the Indiana Pacers.

Vertical Sources: The Pacers will select Iowa State's Georges Niang with the No. 50 pick in the NBA draft.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 24, 2016

Niang is the first Cyclone to be picked in the NBA Draft since Royce White went 16th overall to the Houston Rockets in 2012. The last ISU player to be taken in the second round was Will Blalock, who was taken 60th overall in 2006.

The "lack of athleticism" that Niang was characterized by prior to the draft was apparently not enough to keep the Pacers from taking a shot on the Karl Malone Award winner. Possessing elite offensive skills and a high basketball IQ, Iowa State’s second all-time leading scorer has the potential to stick if he can beef up his ability to defend and rebound.

It's long been rumored that Pacers executive Larry Bird is a Niang fan and even sees a little of his own game in the talented forward.

Here's the players Niang will compete with for a roster spot:

Next up for Niang will be the NBA Summer League. The action starts on July 2, and you can go here to learn more.