ORLANDO — During the Orlando Magic’s Media Day at AdventHealth Training Center on Monday, star forward Paolo Banchero sat firmly at the interview table in front of rows of reporters and recounted his offseason.

It did not take him long to mention head coach Sean Sweeney.

"Obviously, when the news got announced with Coach," Banchero said. "Got to talk to him right away and pick his brain. And just got some good feedback from him. So, it was a good summer for sure."

The Magic were eliminated from the playoffs last season after a Game 7 loss to the Detroit Pistons on May 3. By May 4, the news that coach Jamahl Mosley was fired spread across the NBA ecosystem, and less than a month later, on June 1, Sweeney was named the next head coach.

The relationship-building between Sweeney and his new roster of players commenced quickly. So much so that Banchero explained that he was surprised to hear from Sweeney immediately after he got the job.

Sweeney's urgency in building rapport with his new star went beyond an initial phone call; Banchero discussed Sweeney's trip to Seattle to work with him and emphasized how enjoyable it was. From there, Sweeney maintained consistent communication with Banchero.

As Banchero gears up for his fifth season and his first under Sweeney, the latter has made it clear what he expects from Banchero, and he has given Banchero the chance to talk about what he wants from him as a coach.

When Sweeney was hired, he underscored the importance of an open line of communication. He is a coach who will not mince words, but he will also listen as intently as he speaks.

So far, Sweeney is practicing what he preaches, and that is good for Banchero. As the face of the franchise, Banchero is entering a partnership with Sweeney, as much of the responsibility will fall on them to be successful. 

As Banchero spoke about Sweeney, he exuded cool, collected confidence. Beneath that, there was an excitement to get to work with his new coach, and he said that he could not ask more of Sweeney given the quality of his actions so far.

Banchero’s fifth year is going to be significant. The 23-year-old has demonstrated his greatness, but only in flashes. The working relationship he had with Mosley ran its course, and now his development has a chance to elevate further under Sweeney’s guidance. 

Nothing is going to come easy for Banchero, Sweeney, and this Magic team in a strengthened Eastern Conference. But with the organization’s coach and star player already on the same page, it is a good step in the right direction.