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A Warriors fan favorite was born this past week.
Eric Paschall was the team’s second-round selection in June’s NBA draft. If the Warriors didn’t entirely know what to expect, the same could be said about the 6-foot-9, 255-pound Paschall, who reported to a franchise that had basically burned to the ground.
Consider that in his first four NBA games he averaged 11.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1 steal.
Consider his fifth and sixth NBA games in which he scored 25 and 34 points. Consider his statistical profile, his presence around the basket, the fact he had to wait for the second round to hear his name, his flex after earning an and-1,
and the scouting report issued by his head coach at Villanova, Jay Wright: “He is a winner, he’s got the ability to score and he’s willing to do all the other things.”
Remind you of anyone?
It’ll come to you. While you mull this brain tickler, consider these five things you should know about Eric Paschall, courtesy of the Warriors.
1. His favorite food? “I would probably say anything seafood. I’m a big shrimp, lobster, crab guy. I’m huge on all those things. Anything with seafood is fine with me.”
2. The song on repeat/favorite on his device at the moment? “It’s actually two songs. Jay Critch, “Ad Libs Part 2,” and “Rodeo” by Lil Nas X. That song is hot.”
3. His hidden talent? “I do not have a hidden talent. I don’t have any talents, I don’t do anything that’s special. (Editor’s note: we’ll see about that.)
4. His nickname is not Baby Dray, but it should be, so strong is the similarity with Draymond Green.
And finally, 5. Why choose uniform No. 7? “I chose my number because every number I wanted was not available. I used to wear 11, but definitely can’t get 11 from Klay Thompson. Fourteen is retired (for Tom Meschery), I used to wear that number. Twenty-four is retired (for Rick Barry), can’t wear that number. I was just down to 7. I said, I’ll take 7. That’s fine with me.” (Additional editor’s note: 26 players have worn No. 7 for the Warriors, including Antawn Jamison. Jeremy Lin and current team broadcaster Kelenna Azubuike.)
While you wait for Paschall’s next breakout game, here is a 24-point doozy he dropped on Kansas in the 2018 NCAA semifinal on the way to Villanova’s championship season.
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