Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic was crowned the NBA’s Rookie of the Year on Tuesday following an impressive debut season in the league.
The 20-year-old, who was the No.1 pick in last year’s draft, secured 98 out of 100 first-place votes in the preferential ballot for the award.
Banchero boasted an average of 20 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game during his rookie season, playing a pivotal role in Orlando’s comeback.
He made a strong impact from the beginning, scoring 29 points with nine rebounds and five assists in his first game for the team in October last year.
In an interview with TNT television, Banchero expressed his joy in achieving his goal of winning the Rookie of the Year award, which he had set as soon as he was drafted. “It was just a goal I’ve always had, something I had my eye on from the second I got drafted,” he said. “I’m glad I was able to do it.”
Banchero’s impressive season also saw him score 20 or more points in 40 games, matching the record set by LeBron James in his rookie year.
