SAN ANTONIO — Former Brennan High School standout Kingston Flemings was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the eighth overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night.
Flemings, who attended the draft with his family, became the highest-drafted player from San Antonio since Shaquille O’Neal was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic in 1992.
The 19-year-old guard spent one season at the University of Houston, where he averaged 16 points per game before declaring for the draft.
NBA analysts cited Flemings’ scoring ability, athleticism and improved perimeter shooting among the strengths that contributed to his selection.
Speaking after being drafted, Flemings credited his family for helping him reach the NBA.
“Put in the work, early mornings, late nights with my dad and my mom always working, so it feels great, but I’m just ready to work, ready to work for Atlanta,” he said.
Flemings’ sister, Bella, also has a notable basketball career. She was named Texas Player of the Year and signed with the Duke University women’s basketball program.
His father, Demetric Flemings, said he encouraged his children to set their own goals from a young age.
“I think our job as parents is to just guide our kids on how to achieve their goals instead of placing our thought process on them and what we want for them, so they write down their goals and then our job is just to keep pushing them towards that,” he said.
Shayla Flemings, Kingston’s mother, expressed pride in her son’s accomplishment following the draft selection.
“I’m so proud. I always tell Kingston, ‘little Kingston would be even more proud of what he’s accomplished,’” she said.
