Magic Draft Target: Baylor SG Keyonte George Bringing 'Passion' to NBA
Baylor guard Keyonte George was the best first-year player in the strongest conference throughout college basketball last season.
And the Big 12 Freshman of the Year wasn't 100 percent for a good chunk of the year.
Despite averaging 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists on .376/.338/.793 shooting splits, an ankle injury suffered in February helped George realize how much the game means to him.
"I've never played with that much tape on my foot," George said via ESPN. "It took some time to get used to. I'm starting to get my pop back now. For sure it limited me in some aspects of my game, but I wanted to be out there with my brothers. Missing one game made me realize the passion and love I have stepping away for even one second. That flipped my mindset to treat my body right and do everything necessary to do whatever I can to compete."
A certified bucket getter, George scored 32 points in his first game for the Bears during the Global Jam in Italy, going 10-18 from the floor, 6-12 from 3PT, 6-8 FT and 4 assists ... in just 27 minutes.
"He’s also got a variety of moves in his offense game that he’s not afraid to use on that end of the floor," SI writes. "Whether it’s dribble moves, jabs or pump fakes, George is crafty with the ball in his hands and still finds ways to get himself open in a more methodical manner. An advanced shot creator, he will definitely be capable of scoring at a high level early in his NBA career."
But how does this combination skill at 6-4 work for the Orlando Magic? Despite shooting less than 40 percent from the field, George's confidence from deep (33.8 percent on seven attempts per game) and ability to create off the dribble can pair nicely next to the playmaking of Franz Wagner and Markelle Fultz.
"George's shot-making would also work well in the rotation, either at the starting 2-guard spot or for a bench-scoring role," Bleacher Report writes.
And despite showing elite athleticism throughout his one-and-done career, George could take it to another level in the NBA. According to Baylor head coach Scott Drew, the 19-year-old has reportedly also last over 20 pounds since the start of last year.
If George can continue this trajectory of growth, Orlando could have a bargain with its No. 11 pick at the NBA Draft, which takes place Thursday, June 22 at 8 p.m. from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
You can follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.
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