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UCLA’s Tyler Bilodeau to Nets After 2nd-Round Selection

The Brooklyn Nets selected UCLA forward Tyler Bilodeau with the No. 43 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, making him the only Bruin drafted this year.

NBA insider Michael Scotto reports Bilodeau will sign a two-way contract with the Nets.

Bilodeau played four years of college basketball, the final two of which came with UCLA. He averaged 17.6 points per game in his senior season, also recording 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. Over the course of his college career, Bilodeau averaged 13.1 points per game and brought in just under 5.0 rebounds per night.

The Billings, Montana native took a huge step forward in the final season of his collegiate career, posting a career-high 46.4% 3-point percentage with 4.5 attempts per night. Bilodeau knows about this strength, and sees it as an asset NBA teams can use to their advantage.

“Floor spacing, kind of like my shooting ability, I think that’s definitely my strong suit and what teams like,” Bilodeau said.

The 6-foot-9 forward suffered a knee sprain against the Michigan State Spartans in the Big Ten tournament quarter finals, and missed the NCAA tournament—a huge blow to the Bruins in their second-round exit.

Bilodeau was the final pick of the Nets’ three selections, with Mikel Brown Jr. going to Brooklyn at No. 6 overall and Joshua Jefferson landing at No. 28.

Mar 3, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) points to teammates after hitting a 3-point jumpshot during the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Mar 3, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) points to teammates after hitting a 3-point jumpshot during the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Will Tyler Bilodeau Get a Shot with the Nets?

Bilodeau’s move to the Nets comes at an inopportune time, as the Brooklyn team just traded for All-Star forward Julius Randle to pair with Michael Porter Jr. as their forwards. Additionally, the Nets are in an extended period of rebuilding and have plenty of youth in their ranks.

That’s not to say Bilodeau won’t get a shot, though, as his shooting capabilities make him a player any team would turn their eyes towards.

“Bilodeau’s size and shooting provided specialist appeal, and he lands with a Nets team that will value his perimeter capability,” wrote ESPN’s draft analyst Jeremy Woo.

If the 22-year-old can get off to a strong start with the Nets, whether that comes in the G League or NBA, he could become a much larger part of a young, exciting team in Brooklyn.

The post UCLA’s Tyler Bilodeau to Nets After 2nd-Round Selection appeared first on LA Sports Report.

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