Hunter Tyson, a Pro Skills Basketball Charlotte alum, became PSB’s first NBA draft pick in 2023, taken 37th overall with his rights sent to the Denver Nuggets. He was an unranked middle schooler, a path most players never finish: only about 3.6% of high school boys basketball players reach any NCAA division.

Last updated: June 2026

Who is Hunter Tyson and why does PSB talk about him?

In June 2023, a Pro Skills Basketball alum heard his name called on NBA Draft night for the first time in our history. Hunter Tyson, who grew up playing for PSB Charlotte, was selected 37th overall, with his draft rights sent to the Denver Nuggets. He went on to play parts of three seasons in Denver before a February 2026 trade to the Brooklyn Nets.

What makes his story worth telling is not the highlight reel. It is the slow, unglamorous part most families never see. Hunter was not a ranked prospect at 13. He was not headlining national tournaments. He was a player who showed up, worked, and got measurably better every year. For parents trying to figure out what actually matters in youth basketball, that is the point.

How did an unranked middle schooler reach the NBA?

Hunter joined PSB Charlotte as a middle schooler with no recruiting buzz. What stood out early was simpler than talent: he listened, he competed, and he put in reps day after day. That habit is what carried him.

The math explains why his path is rare. Of the hundreds of thousands of boys who play high school basketball each year, only about 3.6% go on to play at any NCAA level, and roughly 1.1% reach Division I. Hunter cleared both bars. He did it without transferring schools or chasing exposure, and he kept playing for PSB Charlotte in the offseason against strong competition.

“Hunter was never handed anything. He was a good player, sure, but what set him apart was how much better he got every single year because he showed up and did the work.”
— Brendan Winters, PSB co-founder and former Davidson and overseas pro

The PSB Charlotte foundation

At Pro Skills Basketball, we are not built around chasing the next viral name. We help young players build a base of real skill, good coaching, and steady habits that hold up at the next level, whatever that level turns out to be. For Hunter, that base meant he was ready when bigger opportunities arrived. If you want to see how that development model works for families, our guide to how basketball supports child development is a good place to start.

What did Hunter Tyson do in high school and at Clemson?

Hunter played at Piedmont High School in Monroe, NC, a program known more for grit than glamour. He trained year-round, took care of his body, and focused on what he could control. College coaches eventually took notice, and he earned a Division I scholarship from Clemson University in the ACC, one of the toughest conferences in the country.

At Clemson he started as a role player, the way most freshmen do. He stuck with it and grew into a leader and go-to scorer. By his senior year (2022-23) he averaged 15.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game and was named All-ACC First Team. His accomplishments stacked up on and off the court.

On the court	In the classroom and as a leader
All-ACC First Team (2022-23)	ACC Skip Prosser Student-Athlete of the Year
Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year finalist	College Sports Communicators Academic All-American
Oscar Robertson Player of the Year Watch List	Four-time All-ACC Academic Team
USBWA and NABC All-District selection	Four-time ACC Academic Honor Roll member

That combination is unusual. Hunter was one of the better student-athletes in the country, and the habits he built in the classroom traveled with him. For families thinking about the road from youth ball to college hoops, our 5 steps to the college basketball recruiting process walks through what the journey actually looks like.

What happened after Hunter Tyson got drafted?

Hunter was selected 37th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, with his rights landing in Denver, and the Nuggets signed him on a multi-year deal. He made his mark right away in Summer League, scoring 21 points with 5 rebounds in his debut. Over the following seasons he earned a roster spot on a championship-level team, appearing in 51 games during the 2024-25 season before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in February 2026.

His pro role has been the role of a young player earning minutes: play smart, defend, knock down open shots, do the small things coaches trust. Those are the same fundamentals we teach from a player’s first PSB practice. Reaching the NBA is rare, and staying takes the same work that got him there.

What can parents learn from Hunter’s path?

Hunter’s story is useful even for families whose child will never play in the NBA, because the lessons apply at every level.

1. Your child does not have to be elite at 13

Hunter was not a national name as a young player. What mattered was growth, consistency, and showing up. Early rankings rarely predict who is still improving at 18.

2. The right program matters more than the loudest one

PSB teams focus on development, skill work, and real coaching rather than chasing trophies. That environment helped Hunter improve at every stage. You can explore PSB club teams to see what that looks like in your city.

3. Academics open doors

Hunter’s grades were not a side note. They were part of why coaches trusted him and part of the foundation that still serves him today.

4. Patience and effort compound

He did not jump from school to school. He stayed the course and let years of consistent work add up. As Damian Lillard, an unranked recruit himself before reaching the NBA, has put it:

“Anytime odds get stacked up against me, I feel like it’s in me to beat it.”
— Damian Lillard

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did Hunter Tyson play youth basketball?

Hunter played for PSB Charlotte, joining as a middle schooler. He continued playing for PSB in the offseason throughout high school while attending Piedmont High School in Monroe, NC.

What pick was Hunter Tyson in the NBA Draft?

He was selected 37th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. His draft rights were sent to the Denver Nuggets, who signed him. He was later traded to the Brooklyn Nets in February 2026.

How rare is it to play college basketball?

It is uncommon. According to NCAA data for 2024-25, about 3.6% of high school boys basketball players go on to compete at any NCAA division, and roughly 1.1% reach Division I.

Does my child need to be highly ranked young to make it?

No. Hunter was unranked as a middle schooler. Steady development, the right coaching environment, and consistent effort over years matter far more than early rankings.

How do I help my child get recruited to play in college?

Focus on real skill development, strong grades, and a program that competes against good talent. Our recruiting process guide breaks the steps down for families.

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