PHILADELPHIA– On Thursday night, the National Lacrosse League’s (NLL) entry draft took place, and a pair of Colonials were selected in the first round. Ryan Smith was selected third overall by the Rochester Knighthawks, and Brad McCulley was drafted ninth overall by the Buffalo Bandits.

Ryan Smith, an attackman, will spend another year at Robert Morris before heading to upstate New York to join the Rochester Knighthawks. In his RMU career, Smith has been a force on offense, racking up 94 goals and 52 assists for 146 points in just 56 games. He is also the first and only RMU men’s lacrosse player to be named NEC Rookie of the Year. Smith played for the Oakville Rock of the Major Series Lacrosse league.

Speaking to NLL reporter Tabitha Turner during the draft show, Smith was excited to develop in this upcoming season with the Colonials. “I’ve just gotta work on my playmaking and athleticism, those are definitely two things that are definitely a lot harder to do at the next level.”

Brad McCulley, a midfielder, was drafted just six picks later by the Buffalo Bandits, and after playing with Ryan Smith in Moon Township, McCulley will also join him in upstate New York. McCulley graduated last season, and in 40 games as a Colonial, he picked up 28 goals and four assists for 32 points. He will try to make a name for himself in Buffalo after spending time with the Victoria Shamrocks in the Western Lacrosse Association.

Men’s lacrosse will look to claim its fourth NEC title in their upcoming campaign.