NBA Draft 2012: Andrew Nicholson "Beyond Elated" Orlando Magic Selected Him

Moments after the Orlando Magic made him the 19th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Andrew Nicholson joined the assembled Orlando media via conference call to discuss his selection. "I'm beyond elated right now," he said.

Nicholson said he has spoken to the Magic and told the media, "They like my versatility, they like my length, they like my size." When asked to evaluate his on-court strengths, Nicholson touted his "versatility" and "shooting."

A 6-foot-9 power forward, Nicholson has shown the ability to score inside, but he can also stretch the floor with his range: he shot 43.4 percent from beyond the arc in his senior season at St. Bonaventure and 59.3 percent inside it. He posted per-game averages of 18.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and two blocked shots.

Nicholson's versatility should help a Magic offense that ranked 14th in efficiency in 2011/12. His coach at St. Bonaventure, Mark Schmidt, seems to think so. "He's a tremendous scorer. He's got tremendous footwork inside," he told the media when reached by telephone.

And make no mistake about it: Nicholson is a power forward. When asked if he could play small forward, Nicholson said flatly, but politely, "I'm a power forward."

Nicholson joins a crowded Magic rotation at the position: Glen Davis and Justin Harper are already under contract, while starter Ryan Anderson will become a restricted free agent.

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