BROOKLYN — To the surprise of every basketball fan, Paolo Banchero was the first overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. The Orlando Magic even surprised the Duke star himself by choosing him with the top selection.

“I didn't find out, though, that I was actually getting picked until about 20 seconds before the commissioner got on the stage,” Banchero said to reporters after he was selected. “I didn't even have time to really think about it or anything. It just kind of happened. I can't believe it, but I'm ready.”

The shock has nothing to do with Banchero's abilities. Someone with such outstanding scoring skills at his size would benefit any team, and he was one of college basketball's best players this past season. Orlando, however, had eyes for Auburn's Jabari Smith Jr. throughout much of the draft process, at least so we thought.

Interestingly. the night before the draft, the betting markets started to suggest Banchero was the favorite to go first. But then Thursday began with a Woj Bomb claiming Smith would be picked first, Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren would go next and Banchero would be the third pick, which is what the general consensus had been for much of the pre-draft process.

Then, in the time leading up to the draft, Banchero once again started becoming more and more favored to be picked first overall. The Magic ended up reversing course and made Banchero the second Duke player to be drafted first overall in the previous four drafts.

The reason that the Magic taking Banchero was truly nothing short of bonkers was the lack of connection between the two sides. Banchero never worked out for Orlando, and those close to him weren't sure if the late surge was just the Magic finishing their homework or truly having a change of heart. In the end, it turned out to be the latter.

After selecting Banchero, Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman told reporters in Orlando that the organization did get in touch with him via meetings in person and on Zoom. He explained that the draft features tons of “secret keeping” and “misdirection” and said that Paolo “was the best player in college basketball” and has tons of potential to improve his game.

Banchero took home the ACC Rookie of the Year Award while being named to the All-ACC First Team, NCAA All-Tournament Team and All-ACC Tournament First Team. The 6-foot-10 19-year-old averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 47.8 percent from the field, 33.8 percent from 3 and 72.9 percent from the free-throw line.

The Magic, like almost every team picking first overall in the NBA Draft, just need to find a player with star potential. The fit on the roster is the second priority. Banchero checks off both boxes, making him a tremendous addition to the young roster.

“I feel like I'll fit in great,” Banchero said. “The Magic, they have a lot of talent. They're very deep. They also have a lot of dynamic forwards like myself with Wendell [Carter Jr.], Franz Wagner. Adding myself, I feel like that's going to give teams a lot of problems. That's three 6-foot-9, 6-foot-10, 6-foot-11 guys who can dribble, pass and shoot, have high IQ.”

Orlando's collection of young talent doesn't stop there. Cole Anthony stepped up big time after a solid rookie season, while Jalen Suggs and Markelle Fultz will look to entrench themselves in Orlando's future. Free-agent center Mo Bamba could return to keep some much-needed defense around. Jonathan Isaac could do the same after missing two years due to injury. Chuma Okeke and R.J. Hampton are still around, too.

Although the Magic have plenty of young players, they still need a lot more talent in order to emerge from the bottom of the standings next season. Banchero could be the driving force they need to become a solid team again. It most likely won't happen right away, but with Banchero, it looks possible.

Although the path that led the Duke star to his professional team was wonky, it is now complete. The youngster is ready to prove he is a star in the making.

“This is one of the best moments of my life,” Banchero said. “I'm super excited. I couldn't be happier to be a member of the Orlando Magic.”