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NBA Draft 2022: Jabari Smith Jr. says he was "surprised" if he didn't take first place.

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Auburn's Jabari Smith Jr. could be number one in theThursday NBA Draft.

But if you ask him, he will say that whenOrlando Magiccomes in time, he will definitely be the top pick.

Former Auburn player Jabari Smith talks to the media following a pre-draft workout with the Orlando Magic at Amway Center June 9, 2022. 

Former Orlando player Jabari Smith speaks to the media Pre-draft training by Orlando Magic at the Amway Center on June 9, 2022.  (Ricardramirez Buxeda / Orlando Sentinel / Tribunnews, via Getty Images)

{Smith told Yahoo Sports on Thursday. "It's my competitiveness mixed with my selflessness and my ability to shoot the ball, defend multiple positions and care about winning. 

" I have statistics I don't care. I feel that any team can help immediately, but I feel that it is the best choice. "

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Smith, Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero are the three potential overall leaders. One of the players. However, ESPN reported that the NBA Draft was "increasingly strong" with Smith, Holmgren and Banchero 1-2-3.

"The city of Orlando was really great," Smith told Yahoo. "They are heading in the right direction. They have a new head coach, Jamal Mosley. It was great to talk to him. It was good to talk to GM and they are heading in the right direction. The future is bright. I want to be part of it. I can't wait. "

NBA Draft 2022: Let Johnny Davis get" excited "and start. Forget to be near your family

A behind-the-scenes photo of NBA Draft prospect Jabari Smith Jr. posing for a portrait during media availability as part of the 2022 NBA Draft June 22, 2022, at the Westin Times Square in New York City.

Behind-the-scenes photo of the NBA Draft Prospect JabariSmithJr. Pose A portrait when the media became available as part of the 2022 NBA Draft at The Westin Times Square in New York City, June 22, 2022.(Mike Lawrence / NBAE via Getty Images)

Smith with the TigersAverage 16.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game in a lonely year Was recorded. He was named SEC Freshman of the Year and won the Wayman Tisdale Award as the top men's freshman basketball.

Smith was astar in high school.

He helped lead the United States to the gold medal at the FIBA ​​Americas Under 16 Championship. He will be in Brazil in 2019. He was also McDonald's All-American and Georgia Basketball in 2021.

Magic will be ranked number one in this year's draft. It is the fourth time in their history that they have won the top pick. In 2004, they chose Dwight Howard when they finally won first place.

Jabari Smith of the Auburn Tigers reacts in the final seconds of the second half against the Miami Hurricanes during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena March 20, 2022, in Greenville, S.C.

Auburn Tigers Jabari Smith in the last few seconds Reacting Second half match against Miami Hurricane during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Bonse Course Wellness Arena on March 20, 2022 in Greenville, South Carolina(Kevin C. Cox / Getty) Images)

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Orlando finished with a record of 22-60 2021-22.

Ryan Gaydos is a sports editor for Fox News and Fox Business. You can send story tips to Ryan.Gaydos@fox.com.