Banchero is Magic
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
 
By Shara Talia Taylor
 
Is Holmgren The Next Unicorn?
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon

The Duke Blue Devils Men’s Basketball program have developed another elite talent in 19-yr-old Paolo Banchero, who was selected by the Orlando Magic as the No 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Said Banchero upon hearing his name, “It was a very emotional moment,” said Banchero. “I’ve never cried tears of joy in my life, and I was telling everyone I wasn’t going to cry no matter what pick I was picked. It just hit me.”

Banchero said he didn’t have his phone on him the whole time, but expected a few calls from past Duke players.

 

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“I’ve got a pretty good relationship with Jayson (Tatum), Zion (Williamson), Kyrie (Irving)– all those guys I’ve met and talked to,” he said.  “I’m sure they’ll have something, some words of encouragement.”

The 6-10, 250 pounds forward, who has been compared by NBA observers to the power and size of Blake Griffin and the shooting ability of Carmelo Anthony, averaged 17.2 points per game.  The Nets might need the help of a player like him. Griffin made contributions during the playoffs, but was injured.  The Brooklyn Nets announced Seth Curry had a successful ankle surgery and Ben Simmons had successful back surgery in May and both should be fully recovered by training camp.

7 foot 195 lbs center Chet Holmgren of the Gonzaga Bulldogs was selected No. 2 overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

“Coming from a smaller place like Spokane and Gonzaga, it reminds me of the Oklahoma fan base and community,” he said. “I’m proud to represent them “he said. 

The Houston Rockets selected 6-10 forward Jabari Smith Jr. of Auburn University as the No. 3 overall pick. Smith said seeing the faces of his family when his name was called, made it a night he wouldn’t forget. “Making them proud is something I’ve worked for all my life,” Smith said. “My dad just told me it was time to amp it up a little bit, time to work even harder.”

More opportunities could be available with decisions surrounding free agents for the Nets or they could stick with their current roster.