Roosevelt Makes Draft History

Roosevelt High School Makes History with First-Round NBA and NFL Draft Picks
The 2026 professional draft season marked a historic moment for Roosevelt High School as two Mustang alumni heard their names called in the first round of their respective professional drafts. Former basketball standout Brayden Burries was selected 10th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Draft, while former football standout Chris Johnson was selected 27th overall by the Miami Dolphins in the NFL Draft.
Having first-round selections in both the NBA and NFL drafts in the same year is an extraordinary accomplishment and reflects the tradition of excellence that has become synonymous with Roosevelt athletics.
Burries leaves Roosevelt as one of the most accomplished basketball players in school history. During his senior season, he led the Mustangs to the 2025 CIF State Open Division Championship, delivering the first state basketball title in school history while establishing Roosevelt as one of the premier programs in the nation. Along the way, he earned recognition as a McDonald's All-American, California Mr. Basketball, and California Gatorade Player of the Year. After an outstanding freshman season at the University of Arizona, Burries entered the NBA Draft and became the highest-selected basketball player in school history when the Milwaukee Bucks chose him with the 10th overall pick.
Johnson's path to the NFL was equally impressive. A dynamic two-way athlete at Roosevelt, he excelled at both cornerback and wide receiver, totaling 62 tackles and three interceptions on defense while adding 16 receptions for 342 yards and six touchdowns on offense during his senior season. His performance earned him a scholarship to San Diego State University, where he developed into one of the nation's top defensive backs. During his collegiate career, Johnson recorded 152 tackles, six interceptions, 14 pass breakups, and five forced fumbles, earning Second-Team All-American, Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year, and First-Team All-Mountain West honors before being selected 27th overall by the Miami Dolphins.
While their journeys took different paths, both athletes embody the qualities that define Roosevelt High School—commitment, perseverance, leadership, and competitive excellence. Their success is a reflection not only of their individual dedication but also of the coaches, teammates, families, and school community that supported them throughout their development.
The selection of Brayden Burries and Chris Johnson in the first round of the 2026 NBA and NFL Drafts represents one of the most significant achievements in Roosevelt High School history. Their accomplishments further strengthen the legacy of Mustang athletics and serve as an inspiration to the next generation of student-athletes pursuing their dreams at Roosevelt High School.
Brayden Burries Drafted 10th Overall in the NBA Draft
The Corona-Norco Unified School District is proud to celebrate another historic achievement as former Roosevelt High School standout Brayden Burries was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. Burries becomes one of the highest-drafted basketball players in Inland Empire history and continues Roosevelt High School's growing legacy of producing elite athletes.
During his time at Roosevelt High School in Eastvale, Burries established himself as one of the premier high school basketball players in the nation. He earned recognition as the 2025 California Gatorade Player of the Year, a McDonald's All-American, and California Mr. Basketball while helping elevate Roosevelt basketball onto the national stage.
After graduating from Roosevelt, Burries continued his success at the University of Arizona, where he made an immediate impact as a freshman. Averaging 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, he earned All-Big 12 honors and helped lead the Wildcats to the NCAA Final Four.
Burries' journey from Roosevelt High School to the NBA serves as an inspiration to student-athletes throughout CNUSD. His work ethic, leadership, and commitment to excellence exemplify the values that define Roosevelt athletics and the district's tradition of developing students for success both on and off the court.
The Roosevelt High School and CNUSD communities congratulate Brayden on this incredible accomplishment and look forward to following his professional career with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Chris Johnson Drafted 
Chris Johnson’s journey to the 2026 NFL Draft has already cemented his place among Roosevelt’s all-time greats. A standout two-way athlete for the Mustangs, Johnson dominated at both cornerback and wide receiver, showcasing elite athleticism and versatility. His senior season featured 62 tackles and three interceptions on defense, along with 16 receptions for 342 yards and six touchdowns on offense. That production earned him a scholarship to San Diego State, where he developed into one of the nation’s top defensive backs.
At SDSU, Johnson’s impact only grew. Over 47 games, he totaled 152 tackles, six interceptions, 14 pass breakups, and five forced fumbles. His senior season elevated him into national recognition, highlighted by four interceptions—two returned for touchdowns—and honors including Second-Team All-American, Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year, and First-Team All-Mountain West. His rise culminated in being selected 27th overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2026 NFL Draft, making him one of the highest-drafted players in Roosevelt history.