The Houston Rockets used the 34th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft to select Murray State guard Isaiah Canaan (pronounced Cannon).
“I was so hyped to see my name come across the board and just glad to be a part of the Houston Rockets,” said Canaan on being drafted by Houston. “I’ve always been the underdog and I’m thankful that Houston believes in me. I’m really looking forward to getting there and showing what I’m capable of doing. I’m a competitor. I’m a winner.”
Canaan (6-0, 188, Murray State) played in 132 career games over four seasons at Murray State, averaging 15.5 points, 2.9 assists and 2.8 rebounds. Overall, Canaan scored over 2,000 points in his collegiate career (2,050) while shooting 304-of-725 (.419) from beyond the arc. He was named Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year as a junior and OVC Co-Player of the Year as a senior. The Biloxi, Mississippi native also earned Honorable Mention All-America honors from the Associated Press as a senior after ranking first on team in scoring (21.8 ppg), assists (4.3 apg) and steals (1.5 spg). Canaan, who scored in double figures in all 31 games in 2012-13, netted a season-high 35 points against Morehead. He added 22 points, a career-high 10 assists and nine rebounds against Belmont State. As a junior, Canaan also ranked first on team in scoring (19.0 ppg) and assists (3.6 apg).
“Isaiah is one of the best shooters to come out off college in awhile,” said Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey on Canaan. “He is not just an elite 3-point shooter, but he can take people off the bounce and fill it up, and do it efficiently. He is a tough kid and a really good kid. Isaiah is someone ready to play. I really see a player who is going to succeed.”
