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Oladipo Shines at Roundball Classic

Josh Cohen
Digital News Manager

By Josh Cohen Sept. 1, 2013

Recently, Victor Oladipo – despite being several inches shorter and with a few years less experience -- matchup up against Kevin Durant at the George C. Goodman League’s Roundball Classic and held his own against the perennial NBA All-Star.

Set at Oladipo’s high school, DeMatha in Hyattsville, Md., the Orlando Magic’s No. 2 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft tallied 28 points and his team finished in a 116-116 tie against Durant’s squad. There was no overtime because of prior agreements made to shut down the gymnasium by a certain time.

Other local icons that participated in the exhibition included Phoenix’s Michael Beasley, Detroit’s Greg Monroe and Portland’s Thomas Robinson.

Earlier this summer, Oladipo dazzled at the 2013 Southwest Airlines Orlando Pro Summer League. Adjusting to point guard while still maintaining his aptitude to score and defend, the 6’4 sensation averaged 19 points and five assists over four games.

He also buried a game-winning step-back jumper to finish out his terrific week and was ultimately named to the 2013 Orlando Pro Summer League’s All-First Team.

Oladipo has been training all summer in preparation for his highly anticipated rookie season with the Magic. There is still much ambiguity as to what kind of role he will have in his first campaign, including whether he will be a starter, if he will juggle both guard positions effectively and how much of an instant impact he could have on the franchise.

Until training camp opens, nonetheless, let’s continue to enjoy watching his one-on-one battle with Durant that included some breathtaking jams, long distance jumpers and even an Oladipo steal on KD. Credit to TheMARSreel.com for crafting together this highlight package.