NBA news: No.1 draft pick Paolo Banchero embraces 'high expectations' at Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic, Paolo Banchero
After being named No.1 pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, Paolo Banchero is fully aware of the lofty expectations that come with being top of his class.
Despite not being the favourite to do so, Paolo Banchero was named the No.1 pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, with Orlando Magic picking up the 6ft 10" forward.
The 19-year-old revealed that he decided to not even inform Orlando themselves about his decision until about 30 seconds before NBA Commissioner Adam Silver took to the draft stage.
He now has less than a week to celebrate before beginning work outs with Orlando ahead of the July 7 NBA Summer League.
But while all the media buzz is bound to overwhelm Banchero following the Draft, the Seattle-born star is ready to embrace the expectations that come with being No.1.
PAOLO BANCHERO GOES NO, 1‼️
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 24, 2022
Paolo joins an elite class of No. 1 picks for the Magic ? pic.twitter.com/yAUX89RWnD
"It all happened pretty fast," Banchero said.
"There's going to be high expectations for myself that I'm going to hold myself to and that everyone is going to hold myself to.
"But I feel like it's nothing I'm not used to. It was the same thing for me heading into college, throughout high school, a lot of expectations. It's been like that my whole life."
Jabari Smith Jr. was initially tipped to be the first pick, especially after he attended a workout with Orlando ahead of the draft.
But head coach Jamahl Mosley surprised everyone by instead opting for Banchero, who hadn't attended a single workout before being selected.
our summer league schedule just dropped ? pic.twitter.com/pOdvfGK3GJ
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) June 20, 2022
Mosley explained his decision after the draft, suggesting that Banchero was simply a better fit for his squad.
"There's things that you're grabbing from each one that you're like, 'Oh, man, wow, that can be great for us,'" he said.
"But then it ultimately comes down to, 'How does that fit for us? How do we jel with them in the locker room? How are they treating people when they're walking in?' Because all those pieces play a factor. And I think we've done an incredible job with those details."
Recommended Offers
£30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 100 Free Spins
New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets are available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days after the new account is registered.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
Get up to £50 Welcome Bonus
New customers only. Opt-in required. 100% Match Bonus up to £50 on 1st deposit of £10+. 50x wagering & game weighting applies. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
Get £10 in Free Bets
New customers only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Min Deposit: £10. Free Bet awarded: £10. 1 x £10 must be wagered at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Free bet will expire 7 days after the 1st deposit.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
