According to Yahoo Sports, the Orlando Magic have chosen forward Paolo Banchero as their first pick in the 2022 NBA Draft on Thursday night. For several weeks the predicted first pick was Jabari Smith as the top pick, however, the Magic shocked most with their decision. The blue devils have now provided two number one picks for the NBA in the last four years. Banchero, a Seattle Native, had the fourth most rebounds in the ACC and 12 double doubles in just this past season alone. Along with, being named the ACC Rookie of the Year as well as one of the members of the all- ACC first team last season. Basketball obviously runs in the family as his mother Rhonda actually played six seasons with the Sacramento Monarchs after she was drafter in the third round of the 2000 WNBA draft. Banchero is quoted in saying, “Some of my earliest memories are just being in the gym, being at practices and watching her play, She’s helped mold me into the player I am today and taught me a lot.” Hopefully Banchero can make the difference the Orlando team needs as their record for last year’s season sits at 22-60.
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