By Dan Dugger | July 23, 2008

Orlando, Fla. – Roughly a month after being selected by the Orlando Magic in the 2008 NBA Draft, Courtney Lee still feels a bit astonished about his new-found employment in the league.

“It really hasn’t sunk in yet,” Lee explained. “But being able to purchase my own condo and furnish it, and just sitting back and looking at the big point of view, that I made it, it’s a blessed feeling. I’m definitely humbled by it.”

In part, it was Lee’s noticeable humility coupled with his basketball ability and beyond-his-years maturity that caught the eye of general manager Otis Smith, prompting him to pull the trigger on the Western Kentucky product with the 22nd pick.

Since being selected, things haven’t slowed down for the 6-foot-5 guard. He recently wrapped up the Orlando Summer Pro League, in which he finished second in scoring ( 4-game minimum), dropping in just over 20 points per game on 44 percent shooting from the field.

“It was a little difficult coming into summer league, doing the two-a-day practices, learning the offense,” said Lee, who was selected to the Orlando Pro All-Summer League First Team. “The style of play in the NBA is set at different paces. There are times to go 100 percent and there are times to go 75 percent, you just have to know the different pace and learn the new rules of the game.”

Lee admitted that his highlight of summer league was going against 2008 NBA Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant. Lee, who guarded Durant for most of the game, got the best of the battle, finishing with a team-high 27 points in addition to four assists and two steals, while Durant finished with 22 points.

“Kevin and I spent a lot of time off the court talking,” added Lee, who has formed a friendship with the second-year Oklahoma City player. “And on the court he was even giving me pointers.”

Although summer league has concluded, Lee still frequents the RDV Sportsplex, which houses the Magic’s practice facility, to prepare for his forthcoming rookie season.

“Off the court, I’ve been in the weight room working on my strength,” Lee said. “Just trying to get bigger and put on some weight and get quicker and faster. On the court, I’ve been trying to increase my shooting range, adjust to the NBA 3-point line, and just tuning up everything in my game.”

While Lee may be busy tuning up his game on the court, he may want to spend some time sharpening his skills in the kitchen, since he said the meal he is most capable of preparing is a hot pocket.

To supplement his culinary shortcomings, Lee said he frequents the Applebee’s restaurant across the street from his condo, a spot that has become one of his favorites in all of the city.

And with his natural skill set, dedication to improvement and high level of maturity, Lee just might become one of city’s favorite players.