Coach K sends Paolo Banchero special message after No. 1 NBA Draft selection

Paolo Banchero received a special congratulations after being selected by the Orlando Magic as the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Banchero had an emotional reaction to the selection, and shakily offered a few words to ESPN'S Monica McNutt. She mentioned that there was a surprise waiting for Banchero, and directed him to watch a heartfelt congratulations from his former collegiate coach Mike Krzyzewski.

"He really taught me how to be a man," Banchero told McNutt following the draft's first selection. "Being so far away from home, he was there for me whether it was telling me when I was messing up or complimenting me and let me know I was doing well, he was always there. He is the greatest coach I've ever had."

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Coach K recently retired after a 41-season career with Duke. He lead the Blue Devils to five national championships, and guided the team to a Final Four appearance in the 2022 March Madness tournament.

The NBA Draft continues on ESPN.

Dani Mohr is a trending sports writer for the South Region of USA Today Network based at The Tennessean in Nashville. Contact her at dmohr@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @daniraemohr

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Coach K sends Paolo Banchero congratulations following No. 1 selection