Paolo Banchero, Caleb Houstan reveal initial reactions to being drafted by Orlando Magic

Two players saw their lives change forever by the Orlando Magic during the 2022 NBA Draft. With the first overall pick, Duke‘s Paolo Banchero was selected while Caleb Houstan of Michigan was selcted with the second pick of the second round. For a rebuilding franchise such as Orlando, an impressive draft night haul.

During their introductory press conference, both players were asked to revealed the initial reaction to being selected by the Magic. Banchero went first, saying it took him a few minutes to calm down and understand what was going on. Once he got into Orlando and stepping into the facility, everything became a reality.

“It probably took me 20, 30 minutes to really calm down,” Banchero said. “I was just so filled with emotions and I would say when I landed here, got off the car, and got here is kind of when it really hit me. That I’m a part of the Magic and that I was the No. 1 pick.”

Banchero was a surprise first overall pick after being lumped into the top three with Jabari Smith and Chet Holmgren. Smith was thought to be Orlando’s slection going into the night but at the last hour, reports flooded with the real selections. The former Duke star would be heading south.

As for Houstan, he echoed a lot of the same as Banchero. He’s “really glad” to be a member of the Magic and wants to get started right away.

“Just really enjoying the moment,” Houstan said. “Lot of excitement last night, a lot of emotions. Just really glad that I ended up here, a real good organization, and can’t wait to get started.”

Like his fellow draft pick, Houstan was a one-and-done prospect, only spending a singular season in college basketball with head coach Juwan Howard. He averaged just over 10 points and four rebounds a game and will now be looking to do the same in Orlando.

The Magic have been frequent guests in the lottery, usually near the top five in the NBA Draft. With the selections of both Banchero and Houstan, the hope is the franchise can get over the hump and start winning some basketball games. In the past 10 seasons, Orland has only been able to make the playoffs twice. Going back even further, 2010 was the last playoff series win.

Excitement will stay with the two draft picks for just a couple of weeks before Summer League begins. From there, getting ready for a full NBA season will be the top priority for both Banchero and Houstan.