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Duke's Paolo Banchero Says He Thinks He's Best Player in 2022 NBA Draft

Auburn's Jabari Smith Jr., Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren and Duke's Paolo Banchero are considered the three best players in the 2022 NBA draft class, but one of those three believes he's the cream of the crop.

Banchero, who starred as a freshman for the Blue Devils during the 2021-22 men's college basketball season, told reporters Friday that he should be selected with the No. 1 pick on Thursday.

"I feel like I am the best player in the draft, and I feel like I showed that throughout the year," he said. "I feel like I showed everything with my skill sets and my intangibles.