ＮＢＡドラフト全体１位は予想外のバンケロ、マジックが指名

【ニューヨークＡＦＰ＝時事】ＮＢＡドラフト２０２２が２３日に米ニューヨークのバークレイズ・センターで行われ、オーランド・マジックは予想に反してデューク大学のビッグマン、パオロ・バンケロを全体１位で指名した。（写真はアダム・シルバーコミッショナー（左）とポーズをとるパオロ・バンケロ）
　身長２０８センチ、体重１１３キロのパワーフォワードで、２０２１－２２シーズンに１試合平均１７．２得点を記録した１９歳のバンケロをマジックが選択したのは、解説者の大方の予想を覆すものとなった。全体１位候補には、オーバーン大学のジャバリ・スミスとゴンザガ大学のチェット・ホルムグレンが挙げられていた。
　アダム・シルバーコミッショナーの発表があった直後には、バンケロも自身の選出に頭が混乱していた様子を見せていた。しかし、同日午前中にマジックが決断を下していないとのニュースが流れた際には、何が起きても備えておくよう覚悟していたという。
　バンケロは米スポーツ専門チャンネルＥＳＰＮに対し、「情報を聞かされてから、まだ何が起きるか分からないという感じがしていた」と話し、「オーランドがまだ決めかねていたから、とにかく何があろうと備えておいた」と明かした。
　「それでも、コミッショナーがステージに上がる２０秒前くらいまでは、自分が実際に指名されるとは思ってもいなかった。そのことや、他のことも考えている余裕はなかった。とにかく、起きてしまったという感じだ。信じられないけれど、準備はできている」
　バンケロがトップ指名を受けたことにより、２０歳のホルムグレンがオクラホマシティ・サンダーから全体２位指名を受けた。２１３センチの長身を誇る同選手は、巧みなボールハンドリングとフットワークに加え、ショットブロックの名手でもあり、ブルドッグス（ゴンザガ大学の愛称）でも飛び抜けた存在として、１試合平均１４．１得点、９．９リバウンドを記録した。
　バンケロとホルムグレンが先に指名されたため、ヒューストン・ロケッツは全体１位の呼び声が高かったスミスを難なく獲得。同選手がタイガース（オーバーン大学の愛称）でプレーしたのは１シーズンだけで、１試合平均１６．９得点、７．４リバウンド、２．０アシストをマークした。
　スミスの父親も元ＮＢＡ選手。リーグでは４シーズンプレーした。また、２００１年のドラフトで１位指名だったクワミ・ブラウンは親戚に当たる。【翻訳編集ＡＦＰＢＢＮｅｗｓ】
〔ＡＦＰ＝時事〕（2022/06/24-17:21）

Paolo Banchero was the surprise top pick at the NBA Draft on Thursday as the Orlando Magic confounded expectations by swooping for the towering teenager from Duke University.
The highly rated 19-year-old power forward -- who stands 6ft 10in (2.08m) and weighs in at 250 pounds (113kg) -- averaged 17.2 points per game in the 2021-2022 season.
Orlando's decision to opt for Banchero wrongfooted many pundits, with Jabari Smith Jr. and Chet Holmgren expected to be vying for the number one spot.
Even Banchero looked shellshocked by his selection in the immediate aftermath of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's announcement at the Barclays Center in New York.
I really don't know what to say, Banchero said. I can't believe what just happened. Honestly.
Banchero later told ESPN he had been warned to be ready for anything earlier Thursday after news filtered through that Orlando remained undecided.
I had a feeling, from the information I was being told, that it was just kind of up in the air, Banchero told ESPN. Orlando wasn't really sure yet, and just to be ready for whatever.
I didn't find out, though, that I was actually getting picked until about 20 seconds before the commissioner got on the stage. 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.
With Banchero going with the top pick, Holmgren was snapped up by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the second selection.
The 7ft tall Holmgren was a standout for Gonzaga University, averaging 14.1 points and 9.9 rebounds for the Bulldogs.
- Mixed emotions -
The 20-year-old impressed with a combination of elite ball-handling and footwork as well as being an expert shot blocker.
It's a mix of 1,000 emotions and yet I have zero words to explain it, Holmgren said. This is everything I've looked forward to for a long time.
Holmgren joins a Thunder roster that can already call on the talents of emerging star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Australian Josh Giddey.
It's a great situation, great dynamic, playing with guys like Josh and Shai, as well as everybody down the roster, Holmgren said. A lot of great players with unique skill sets. I feel like I can kind of pair up with them and help enhance theirs and they can enhance mine.
Banchero and Holmgren's selections left the Houston Rockets free to pick Auburn University's Smith with the third selection.
Smith, who had been tipped by many as the No.1 pick, averaged 16.9 points per game along with 7.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists in his single college season for the Tigers.
Smith, whose father Jabari played four seasons in the NBA, is a cousin of Kwame Brown, the No.1 pick in the 2001 draft.
The 19-year-old combines size and shooting touch, with deadly accuracy from three-point range and an athleticism likely to make him a defensive asset for a Rockets team that had the worst-ranked defense in the league last season.
I feel like I can fit in any NBA system with my shooting ability and my love of defense, Smith said after his selection.
I feel I can come in right away and make an instant impact.
Smith admitted that being overlooked for the top pick would give him additional motivation to flourish.
Definitely added a chip, but God makes no mistakes, so I'm happy to be here. I'm happy to be where I'm wanted, Smith said.
I'm happy to get to Houston and give them what they picked.