Former Marquette University forward Lazar Hayward became the first Golden Eagle to be taken in the first round of the NBA Draft in seven years when he was taken 30th overall by the Washington Wizards.

Washington traded Hayward's draft rights to Minnesota. Though the deal has yet to be approved by NBA Commissioner David Strern, Hayward is expected to appear tomorrow at a press conference in Minneapolis.

"It's just surreal right now," Hayward said. "I am very blessed and I want to thank everyone that made it possible. The coaches, Todd Smith my strength coach, everyone at Marquette and throughout my basketball career who has helped me develop." 

Hayward was a second-team All-Big East and honorable mention All-America selection last season when he averaged 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.

 In 138 career games, Hayward averaged 13.5 points and 6.6 rebounds. 

Dwyane Wade was last the last Marquette player to go in the first round when he was selected fifth overall in 2003 by Miami. The last Golden Eagle to get drafted was Steve Novak in 2006. He's the 53rd player in school history to be drafted. "As an institution and a program, we are all extremely proud and genuinely happy for Lazar and his family," said Marquette head coach Buzz Williams. "He represents all that a student-athlete should be about on and off the floor and anticipate he will be the same in the NBA."