Detroit Pistons Draft Khris Middleton

The Detroit Pistons drafted Lowcountry native Khris Middleton in the second round of the NBA draft on Thursday.

Middleton, a standout at Texas A&M, is leaving the school after three years, including a junior season with a limited showing, due to injuries, according to Patch's partners at Sporting News.

Middleton missed 12 games last season with a knee injury. He averaged 13.2 points and five rebounds in a disappointing 14-18 season for the Aggies which broke a streak of six straight NCAA tournament appearances.

Following the draft, USA Today noted Middleton could have first-round value if he can get back to the strength he had shown in his sophomore year.

Middleton did return from his injuries last season, showing more strength in the final games, according to a report from KBTX out of Atlanta, where Middleton worked out with the Hawks earlier this month. KBTX notes he was "averaging 16.1 ppg and 4.6 rpg over the final seven games and upped that scoring total in the Big 12 Tournament (19.5 ppg)."