The MLS SuperDraft has always held a special place for us at Right to Dream. It’s a moment we get to watch our graduates take their dreams to the next level and celebrate their successes. And for the 2023 SuperDraft, our eyes were all locked on Shakur Mohammed.
The 2023 SuperDraft was held last night, or this morning, depending on where you are in the world. And the Duke University Sophomore didn’t have to wait long to hear his name called.
The 19-year-old was selected by Orlando City SC with the No.2 overall pick - A fantastic start to his professional career. He follows in the footsteps of a host of RTD graduates who already made it to the MLS including Joshua Yaro, Emmanuel Boateng, Ousseini Bouda, and many more.
And after an unforgettable night, jubilant Shakur was keen to thank everyone who helped him along the way.
“This is amazing. This is literally a dream come true moment for me and to be able to share this moment with my host family, my family back home, and all the people that've helped me along the way. It’s just amazing,”
Shakur told the MLS website.
“To know that all the work that people put in me is finally paying off. Couldn’t be any prouder. Special thanks to Right to Dream for giving my 10-year-old self a chance to be in the academy,”
he added.
Shakur's first round pick was no surprise though. The Right to Dream Graduate was a standout at Duke University and entered the draft on the back of a historic season at Durham. With 19 games, all starts, 10 goals, and two assists, his numbers really spoke for themselves.
And besides helping his side to some impressive feats, including an ACC Regular Championship, and a quarter-final finish at the NCAA tournament, alongside an undefeated regular season for the first time since 1982, Shakur’s impressive performances earned him some individual titles too.
He received the All-America First Team honors, earned places at the All-South Region First Team, All-ACC First Team, and was named ACC Offensive Player of the Year 2022.
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