Surrounded by family and friends, including his Chaminade College Prep coach Kelvin Lee, University of Florida Freshman Guard Bradley Beal was selected third overall by the Washington Wizards Thursday in the NBA Draft. 

Beal attended Jackson Park Elementary School and his mother Besta Beal teaches at University City High School. 

Beal turned 19 Thursday. ESPN showed a picture of Beal and his brothers as a six year old to the nation during the live broadcast.

After his selection, he told ESPN that chasing his dream was worth making the tough decision to leave Gainesville early. He said he would work to stay humble and to get better.

The Washington Examiner spoke with Besta Beal about the draft and her role in Bradley's progression as a basketball player. ESPN also profiles the rest of the Beal boys and the family's zeal for basketball and football.

See other Patch coverage of Beal's NBA draft experience:

• Bradley Beal's NBA Draft Night In Pictures