Just weeks after making history as the first Liberty Flame drafted into the NBA in 40 years, guard Taelon Peter wrapped up his inaugural NBA Summer League stint with the Indiana Pacers, turning heads with his efficiency and poise.

A Historic Draft Night

Selected 54th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, Peter became Liberty’s highest-ever draft pick and the program’s first Division I-era player selected. The last Flame drafted was Cliff Webber in 1985 (4th round, Celtics).

Summer League Performance

Over four games in Las Vegas, Peter showcased his efficiency:

  • 57.1% FG (16-of-28), 92.3% on two-pointers (12-of-13).
  • 15-point high in Game 2 (3-of-6 from three).
  • Averaged 9.5 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.8 APG.

Liberty’s NBA Legacy

Peter aims to join Liberty’s NBA alumni:

  • Julius Nwosu (1994–95 Spurs).
  • Peter Aluma (1998–99 Kings).
  • Seth Curry (11-year NBA vet, spent first year at Liberty before transferring to Duke).

Pacers’ Roster Needs & Peter’s Fit

Indiana’s priorities align with Peter’s skills:

  1. Bench scoring (Peter averaged 13.7 PPG in college).
  2. Wing depth (Pacers ranked 24th in bench PPG in 2024-25).
  3. Two-way potential (G-League development likely).

Next Steps

Peter will compete for a two-way contract in training camp this fall.

Peter enjoyed a strong 2024-25 season with the Liberty Flames, as he was named the CUSA Sixth Player of the Year, tabbed to the All-CUSA third team and honored on the CUSA Championship All-Tournament team. He was the team’s leading scorer (13.7 ppg) on the year despite only starting two times. The guard shot 57.8 percent from the field and 45.3 percent from three. Peter’s three-point percentage during the 2024-25 season established a new school single-season record. Peter earned CUSA Player of the Week honors on March 9.

Peter had three games of 30 or more points, including a pair of 33-point games in league play on the road at Louisiana Tech and Middle Tennessee. His 33-point efforts were both the highest scoring output of any player off the bench in program history. He averaged 16.5 ppg in 18 league regular season games while shooting 58.6 percent from the field and 45.2 percent from three. The Russellville, Ark. native averaged 15.0 ppg on 76.2 percent shooting in three CUSA championship games.

*photo courtesy NBA.com