Mark Williams reacts to being drafted by Charlotte Hornets

Former Duke Blue Devils star big man Mark Williams is the newest member of the Charlotte Hornets after being taken off the board with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Following his selection, Williams attempted to put his emotions into perspective.

“I can’t even put into words,” Williams said after being selected. “Just to be here, selected by Charlotte. I’m excited for the opportunity – I can’t wait.”

Williams, the 2022 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, was the anchor of the Blue Devils defense as they made a run to the Final Four. He averaged 11.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game for Duke, which finished 32-7 overall and 16-4 in ACC play in Mike Krzyzewski’s final season as head coach.

He becomes the second Duke selection in the first round, as former teammate Paolo Banchero was selected No. 1 overall by the Orlando Magic. AJ Griffin was the third Duke star to hear his name called directly following Williams’ at No. 16 overall, while Wendell Moore Jr. and Trevor Keels continue to wait for their names to be called.

Paolo Banchero expresses emotions following No. 1 overall NBA Draft selection

Former Duke star Paolo Banchero is heading to Orlando after the Magic selected the standout forward with the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

“I can’t believe what just happened,” Banchero said. “I wanted to be in the NBA, but I didn’t know I would be here, man. I really honestly didn’t have, so this is unbelievable. I can’t speak right now.”

Banchero led Duke in both scoring and rebounding this past season with 17.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. He also tied for second on the team with 3.2 assists. That kind of production indicates he should be ready to make an impact right away at the next level, according to former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski, who surprised Banchero with a pre-recorded message following his selection.

Thursday morning, Banchero become the betting favorite to go No. 1 overall to the Orlando Magic on Thursday night, according to the Action Network. The new odds saw him go from a +1600 underdog, to -200 in less than a week, which was contrary to reports from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that former Auburn forward Jabari Smith was expected to be the first pick.

Right before the draft went live, Banchero became a -5000 favorite for the No. 1 overall selection, putting to bed the potential debate. Smith would go on to be selected No. 3 overall by the Houston Rockets.

Now, the Magic have their franchise centerpiece in Banchero – it’s just a matter of putting those pieces in place around him.