Magic: Paolo Banchero reacts to becoming the No. 1 overall pick

ORLANDO, Fla. — Paolo Banchero was made aware just seconds before NBA commissioner Adam Silver called his name that he’d be the No. 1 pick by the Orlando Magic, and the former Duke standout was moved to tears when it happened.

“Hearing the commissioner call my name was a priceless moment,” Banchero said. “It brought me to tears. I’ve never been brought to tears about anything that was positive so that was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me.”

The Magic gave the NBA its first major shake-up on draft night by taking Banchero first on Thursday. The team had been heavily linked to Auburn forward Jabari Smith Jr. and, to a lesser degree, Gonzaga center Chet Holmgren, which made its selection rather surprising.

Banchero notably never worked out with the Magic ahead of the draft, nor met with them in Orlando. He did stay in touch throughout the process and submitted all of the necessary medical information to officials.

To those in charge of the decision, Banchero was the right pick all along.

“We feel that this is a 19-year-old who has so much growth potential,” Magic president Jeff Weltman said. “We feel he was the best player in college basketball and we feel that he will continue to grow every year for many years to come. He is a hard worker, incredibly talented and we’re thrilled to add him to our team.”

with the first pick…

LFG @Pp_doesit ‼️

????: @espn pic.twitter.com/Re00pssWt6

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) June 24, 2022

Banchero, who was a consensus second-team All-American, averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals in 39 games. He led all true freshmen in the country in scoring and ranked sixth in rebounding and fifth in field-goal percentage (47.8).

The 6-foot-10, 250-pound forward has the size and physicality that should translate well to the Magic. He is highly touted for his versatility and ability to affect games on both ends of the floor, something the Magic were enamored with.

“I think the one thing we constantly talk about is the versatility and the ability to play both sides of the ball,” Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said of Banchero. “Guard multiple positions but also be a playmaker, decision-maker and he is a giver and a distributor, and that is going to be a great addition to our team.”

Orlando LETS WORK????????????

— Paolo Banchero???????? (@Pp_doesit) June 24, 2022

Banchero will join a Magic roster with several up-and-coming players, including Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner among others. He also has a connection with R.J. Hampton as they are each represented by former Magic guard Mike Miller.

He will arrive in Central Florida on Friday and formally meet everyone within the organization, likely for the first time. He is eager to get to work with everyone as a new chapter begins.

“I’m super excited to begin my career with the Magic,” Banchero said. “They have a lot of talent. They have a lot of team guys like myself and I think I’ll fit right in with them. I’m excited to turn it around, for sure.”

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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