Welcome to Utah, Keyonte George.
Utah entered the 2023 NBA Draft as one of the most intriguing teams, armed with multiple future picks capable of accomplishing nearly anything on the night. With their name swirling in trade rumors leading up to the draft, there was so much anticipation of what the Jazz would ultimately do.
In the end, what started out as a night filled with so many different outcomes turned into one that Utah had hoped for all along — and were thrilled to turn the dream into a reality.
With the No. 9 pick, Utah selected elite forward Taylor Hendricks out of the University of Central Florida, and then followed that up with Baylor star guard Keyonte George at No. 16. They ended the first round taking a swing on Ohio State scorer Brice Sensabaugh, a legit three-level scorer.
"All three have good character. … All of these guys have things you can't teach," Utah GM Justin Zanik said. "All three of the guys can shoot. … They have different bodies, but all three have athleticism. We got two guys who were ranked in our top 10, and we were debating which one to take at No. 9. And then, at 28, we got a guy who was in our top 18."
Here are five things to know about the electric guard, George:
"The Jazz are going to get a guy that is going to come in, work hard, [be] coachable, willing to learn each and every day," George said of what he brings to the team. "Of course, my scoring ability, I feel like is one of the best. My creativity with the basketball. … I know they're going to get an all-around player. Continue to compete each and every day. … Just going to play winning basketball."
1.) High School Phenom
Although he attended three high schools throughout his four-year career, George made the absolute most at each stop.
Beginning his career at Lewisville High School in Lewisville, Texas, George averaged 21 ppg as a freshman before emerging his sophomore season, averaging 23.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists and receiving District 6-6A MVP honors. He then transferred to iSchool of Lewisville his junior season, where he averaged 24.8 ppg.
George then made a big move for his senior season, transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where he averaged 17.8 ppg.
2.) Elite Teammates
Known as a breeding ground for professional athletes, IMG Academy is where many high school stars transfer, hoping to further their careers — and that's what happened with George.
His time at IMG really prepared him for his lone season at college and, eventually, in the NBA with the Jazz. It also fostered a competitive atmosphere, where he teamed up with Jarace Walker (Indiana Pacers) and Jett Howard (Orlando Magic), two lottery picks taken in the 2023 NBA Draft.
3.) Fabulous Freshman Season
George arrived on Baylor's campus as the No. 3 ranked recruit in the country, the highest to ever commit to the Bears — and he didn't disappoint.
He was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year after averaging 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game — including a career-high 32 points against West Virginia. Although he played primarily out of position due to Baylor's more experienced guards, the 6-foot-4 George responded as one of the most dynamic scorers in the country.
4.) National Team Career
George got the chance to represent his country when he played in the FIBA 3x3 Under-18 World Cup in 2021. He led Team USA to the gold medal when they took down Estonia 21-14 in the title game.
It was also a breakout performance for George on a global scale when he averaged a tournament-high 8.2 ppg, taking home MVP honors in the process.
5.) Talented Scorer
Many analysts in the draft process weren't sure what to make of George, a talented scorer who they felt underperformed a bit in college.
But not Zanik and the Jazz.
Utah loved George's competitiveness and believed he could be a scoring point guard in the NBA, a position he didn't play much of in college.
"Keyonte, I think, has probably the most diversified offensive-developed skill set, maybe in the draft," Zanik said. "He's smart, he's a good passer. I can see him playing on the ball and off the ball. … But just a really talented guard."