There’s no place like home

UCF’s Taylor, a Boone alumnus, excited about working out for Magic

B.J. Taylor has long felt a connection with the Orlando Magic.

That bond got a little stronger Saturday, and Taylor couldn’t hold back his excitement over the thought of wearing the uniform for his hometown team.

The former Boone High and UCF guard was among the players who worked out for the Magic on Saturday at the AdventHealth Practice Facility at Amway Center. And Taylor was beaming when he talked to reporters about getting the opportunity to work out for his hometown NBA team.

“It’s awesome coming in here today and working out for the Magic,” he said. “[They’ve] been my favorite team for a long time.”

The Magic, who had a session in the morning and one in the afternoon, also worked out UCF guard Dayon Griffin.

“It was a good workout,” Griffin said. “I competed really well.”

Other players in the afternoon session included Utah guard Sedrick Barefield, Minnesota guard Amir Coffey, Southern Illinois guard Armon Fletcher and Miami forward Anthony Lawrence. Taylor

The morning session included UCLA guard Jaylen Hands, Auburn guard Jared Harper, Virginia Tech guards Ahmed Hill and Justin Robinson, Wyoming guard Justin James and Michigan guard Jordan Poole.

Taylor said his connection with the Magic began to grow when Tracy McGrady became part of the team. Taylor credits McGrady, who ranks third on the franchise’s all-time scoring list, with inspiring him to play basketball.

“Some people know, but T-Mac was my favorite player growing up,” Taylor said. “When he played for the Magic, he was a big reason for me wanting to even play basketball in the first place. That’s a huge part of it.

“Out at UCF, a lot of people liked to call me ‘Mr. Orlando,’ so I think it’s only right that I came in today and was able to work out for the Orlando Magic. So that was all pretty cool.

“It would be awesome to play for this great organization. I’m sure the community would love that. They’d love to see my in the blueand-white [uniform], but I’d be honored to play for any team.”

The 6-foot-2 Taylor averaged a team-best 15.9 points per game and reached double figures in 29 of UCF’s 33 games.

Taylor ranks seventh in career scoring at UCF with 1,618 points, and his 456 career free throws are tied with Bo Clark for the program record. Taylor also ranks sixth all time in 3-point field goals made (180) and assists (324).

In addition, he was the first Knight in UCF’s Division I era to average at least 15 points a game in three straight seasons.

Taylor didn’t want to disclose which teams, but he said he could have more workouts before Thursday’s draft.

Griffin, meanwhile, is hoping to show teams his value as a defender and a player who can score from the perimeter. He hit 25 3-pointers in 28 games last season.

“I like to hang my hat on the defensive end,” he said. “I know a lot of teams need defensive players that on offense can spot up and knock down shots. I think I can be a good asset to the team.”

A native of St. Petersburg, Griffin said, like always been a Magic.

“They’re building something great here, and I would like to be a part of it if I get the opportunity,” Griffin said.

Griffin has leaned on UCF coach Johnny Dawkins and his experiences with the NBA. Griffin said the two spoke on Friday. Dawkins’ advice? “Just stay confident in yourself and believe in what you can do and everything will work itself out,” Griffin said. Taylor, fan of he’s the