Cunningham was excellent in his only season at Oklahoma State, earning consensus All-America honours after averaging 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
He also won the USBWA National Freshman of the Year and NABC Freshman of the Year awards.
“It’s still crazy to be in the moment,” Cunningham said. “Words can’t describe the emotions.
“Everyone is so happy. My family is here. To be able to share this moment with them, it’s a blessing.”
“It means everything. I know my name was the first name called but I didn’t do this by myself. I have the number one pick family.
“I’m just so happy to be here. I’m ready to see what I can do at the next level.”
Cunningham has a two-year-old daughter Riley, who he hails as his daily motivation.
“I just want to show her what hard work does,” he said. “I want her to grow up and hear what her dad has done before her.
“For her to see what hard work really can give you in life. She’s my biggest motivation. She’s taught me way more than anybody could.”
The Houston Rockets took shooting guard Jalen Green with pick two, while power forward Evan Mobley went to the Cleveland Cavaliers at pick three.