NBA G League teams chose three players from Alabama colleges in the first round of the league’s draft on Saturday.

The Grand Rapids Gold selected center Olisa Akonobi from Alabama A&M at No. 14. A transfer from Morehouse, the 7-footer averaged 8.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks and made 56.3 percent of his shots during his only season with the Bulldogs in the 2022-23 campaign.

The Oklahoma City Blue picked forward Lance Thomas from South Alabama at No. 26. A transfer from Memphis, Turner averaged 3.0 points and 2.0 rebounds during his only season with the Jaguars in the 2021-22 campaign.

The Maine Celtics drafted guard Wendell Green Jr. from Auburn at No. 30. During the previous two seasons with the Tigers, Green averaged 12.8 points, 4.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game.

The Gold is the NBA G League affiliate of the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, the Blue is affiliated with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Maine is the G League affiliate of the Boston Celtics.

The 30 drafting G League teams selected 51 players on Saturday as they prepare for the 2023-24 season to tip off next month.

Players had to be at least 18 years old and not chosen in the NBA Draft or under contract to an NBA or international team.

The Birmingham Squadron made one selection, picking Russian guard Pavel Savkov. He’s been a pro in Europe for five years and played in Spain last season.

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.