credit Fernando Medina, Orlando Magic

 

By Dan Savage, MagicGaming.nba.com

 

Magic Gaming spent the offseason assembling one of the most talented rosters in the franchise’s history.

 

Now, it’s matter of seeing what the group can accomplish together when they hit the digital hardwood.

 

On Monday, Magic Gaming hosted their annual media day at the AdventHealth Training Center and answered questions about their lofty goals and high expectations for the 2024 NBA 2K League season.

 

“This team is really young, but immensely talented,” said Magic Gaming General Manager and Head Coach Jonah Edwards, who enters his sixth season at the helm for the team. “They’re the most talented group that I’ve been a part of. We really want to build something here that can leave the kind of legacy that the Magic organization deserves, that Magic Gaming deserves, and the players (that have been here) over the years that have worked hard deserve.”

 

Edwards has done an exceptional job this offseason of assembling the roster like a puzzle. Each piece was placed with precision and care to ensure the proper fit.

 

This season, Magic Gaming will put forth a squad with unmatched in-game talent, high IQ, and character. And much like their parent club, they’ve got a group willing to play for one another and sacrifice for winning.

However, the five-man club still has areas it needs to improve. They’ll spend their training camp not only installing offensive and defensive sets but also working on their communication and building an on-court identity.

 

So, what will the team look like when it takes the floor for the seventh season in 2KL history? Let’s take a closer look.

2024 MAGIC GAMING ROSTER:

 

Joshua “unguardable” Hunter – Point Guard: There’s no questioning the talent level of Magic Gaming’s floor general. If there were any doubts, they were erased when the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 2KL Draft won MVP awards in both 3v3 and 5v5 game modes this September in the league’s All-Star Game. He also received global recognition this offseason when he was named to the 2023 USA Basketball E-National Team, which competed in second season of eFIBA, FIBA’s official NBA 2K24 tournament.

 

But the only returning player from Orlando’s 2023 squad has had his fill of individual accolades and has his sights set on winning and growing as a leader for the team’s upcoming campaign.

“Everybody knows that I’m one of the best players in the league,” he explained. “I don’t think that’s up for debate. I think the next step for me is definitely the team success. If we win, I’ll be looked at as a top-three or No. 1 overall player. I don’t really care about that though. I just really want to win. Winning is everything and that’s how you make your money in this league.”

 

Coach’s Take: “He totally gets what it’s going to take for this group to be really successful at a high level. And he has to be an incredible leader for us to be that. I know he understands that … If what he’s done over the last few days (to open training camp) is what he’s going to do every day, we will be a high-level team.” – Edwards on unguardable

 

Darjean “ReturnOfDJ” Henderson – Shooting Guard: Magic Gaming acquired ReturnOfDJ in late December from the Gen.G Tigers of Shanghai. About to enter his third season in the 2KL, the versatile shooting guard played in 23 5v5 games last season, averaging 20.1 points, 3.0 assists and just over one steal per contest while shooting 53 percent from the field and 47.5 from 3-point range.

After playing for one of the top defensive teams in the 2KL last season, ReturnOfDJ is thrilled to join a highly talented squad and take the next step in his career.

“I’m excited,” he explained. “I’m ready for a change and new scenery in my career. I spent two years with Gen.G, and I think it was time for me to take the next step as a person and a player. New city. Great organization. I always wanted to be here … One of my closest friends on the team is Josh. We know how good Josh is. I know playing with him will up my game more than possible. One of my closest friends is (Ashton “LowkeyGodlike” Agredano), who I grew up with basically. When he got here, I was like okay, I (hope to get there) … Then, when I got the call, you can ask them, I was going crazy.”

 

Coach’s Take: “Already, I’m hearing DJ ask Josh, ‘what do you want out of a shooting guard? I want to be the best version of a shooting guard for you.’ That’s incredible. It takes a certain kind of individual to have that perspective already. It also takes a lot of respect for those around him. That’s the kind of guy DJ is. In the past, I’m not sure how included he’s been in his team environment, structure, and build. So, we want to make sure he understands his role at a high level. So far, he’s been really good. Certainly, a great communicator in the game, especially on the defensive end. So far, he’s exceeded expectations.” – Edwards on ReturnofDJ

 

Justin “Snubby” Stemerman – Small Forward: Being at media day for Magic Gaming was a full-circle moment for Snubby. After spending two seasons as a player for Orlando, he spent last year as Magic Gaming’s team assistant. When he decided to return to the draft pool, he really did not expect to hear his name called when Orlando was on the clock. However, Magic Gaming didn’t think twice about using this year’s No. 34 overall selection on Snubby and adding a player who’s willing to take on any role for the franchise, just as he’s done in the past.

 

“It didn’t really feel real at first,” Snubby explained of being drafted by Magic Gaming. “There were little hints leading up to it, but it wasn’t really a thing until a few days before. It’s really a dream come true. I didn’t think this would ever happen.”

 

Coach’s Take: “Snubby is easy. He wants to be a team player. He wants to see the court in 5v5. He brings something to the team that we don’t have from anybody else. The fact that he is able to call a lot from the corner on offense and he’s able to be a second playmaker at times on the offensive end. It’s a constant battle with Snubby to be more vocal. It always has been (in my) three or four years with him. If he can get to a place where we all feel good about as a vocal leader on the defensive end, I think our ceiling is really high in the 5v5 game mode. As far as understanding his role and know what it’s going to take to make this team great, Snubby is always going to be a good glue (guy) there. He’s super reliable and always dependable. He is always going to show up and work hard. That’s why he’s here.” – Edwards on Snubby

 

Julian “Jboolin” Manzanares – Power Forward: All offseason, Magic Gaming had their eyes set on finding a way to move up in the draft in order to acquire Jboolin. Not only do they expect him to be a dangerous power forward in 5v5 action, but they believe that a 3v3 lineup of unguardable, LowkeyGodlike, and him can go toe-to-toe with any trio in the league.

 

The No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 2KL Draft is viewed as a player with high upside. The Kissimmee, Florida native is known as an aggressive defender and for forcing unconventional turnovers.

 

“I’m excited to be honest,” said Jboolin of beginning his 2KL career. “I’m want to see how my game is going to look by (the beginning of the season) and how much more polished I’ll be after all these long scrimmages and hours (of training camp) every day.”

 

Coach’s Take: “Right away, it’s been clear that he plays the game (a ton). He’s very, very motivated. Work ethic is not a problem with him … I expect him to have one of the top amount of hours played of any player in the 2K League this season because he just always wants to play the game – even when we’re not playing. That’s great. As a player on the court, he’s really, really talented. He’s very aggressive. We’re working on developing his situational awareness and when to rein that in and when to be aggressive as he is naturally. When he’s at his best, he’s as sharp of player as we could have ever found at pick three.” – Edwards on Jboolin

Ashton “LowkeyGodlike” Agredano – Center: Magic Gaming’s roster is filled with big offseason additions. However, none will likely be as impactful as acquiring LowkeyGodlike. In 3v3 action, his on-court fit as a pick-and-pop power forward alongside unguardable could easily develop into one of the best duos in the game. In 5v5 action as the team’s center, he’ll create matchup nightmares for opponents as he looks to build on a successful rookie campaign.

 

Last year, he was named a Rookie of the Year finalist, claimed a banner title, a tournament MVP award, and a 3v3 championship for DUX Infinitos. However, instead of walking into Magic Gaming locker room with a big ego, much like his gaming handle indicates, LowkeyGodlike has tipped off training camp eager to work hard, fit in with his teammates, and find ways to improve day in and day out.

 

“It takes a lot of time, a lot of teamwork, and a lot of trust – I’m big on trust,” said LowkeyGodlike of what it’ll take for Magic Gaming to win a title this season. “Everyone being bought in as one, playing for one another, and wanting to win.”

 

Coach’s Take: “Just from a 2K-game-theory perspective, he’s already done more for our room than most players in the past ever have. He’s able to break down the game in a really digestible way for the rest of the group. He understands it at such an intense level, especially the 3v3 mode. He’s constantly telling Josh what he has to do to get the switch up the court and there aren’t many big men who can do that in this league. Also, he makes the right decision with the ball almost every time he touches it. He’s an elite shooter. He’s a great playmaker and decision maker. So, throwing (his IQ) on top is icing on the cake.” – Edwards on LowkeyGodlike

 

START OF THE SEASON: Magic Gaming opens the 2024 NBA 2K League season on Thursday, February 29 at 6 p.m. ET as they face off against Pistons GT to begin group play in the SLAM OPEN 3v3 tournament. The season opener will be livestreamed on NBA 2K League’s Twitch and YouTube channels. Magic Gaming will round out group play with games against Gen. G, NBL Oz Gaming, and Hornets Venom GT.

 

MORE KEY 2KL INFO: All 25 teams will compete in THE TIPOFF, THE TURN, SLAM OPEN and SWITCH OPEN. The top five performing teams in each conference at the end of the regular season will automatically qualify for the NBA 2KL 3v3 and 5v5 Playoffs. The 15 remaining teams will compete in THE TICKET, with the winning teams from the two conferences earning the final two spots in the 12-team playoffs. Over the course of the season, the 2KL will award $2 million in cash prizes.

 

In addition, Magic Gaming will begin 5v5 gameplay on Wednesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. against Cavs Legion GC in THE TIPOFF tournament.

 

Orlando is scheduled to play three in-person games this season, including the SWITCH OPEN group play finale on Saturday, March 23 against Heat Check Gaming at 6 p.m. at Kia Center.

 

Season seven of the NBA 2K League will conclude on Saturday, June 29 with the 2024 NBA 2K League 5v5 Finals.

About Magic Gaming 

Magic Gaming, based in Orlando, Fla., is one of 25 teams competing in the NBA 2K League entering its seventh season. The NBA 2K League is a professional esports league co-founded by the NBA and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., which began play in May 2018. The league features the best 125 NBA 2K players in the world. Magic Gaming’s five-man roster competes as unique characters in 5-on-5 and 3-on-3 play against the other teams in a mix of regular-season games, tournaments and playoffs. Follow Magic Gaming on Twitch – OrlandoMagicGaming, Instagram/Twitter – @MagicGaming, Facebook/Magic Gaming or at www.MagicGaming.nba.com.