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Paolo Banchero

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Paolo Banchero
No. 5 – Orlando Magic
PositionPower forward
LeagueNBA
Personal information
Born (2002-11-12) November 12, 2002 (age 22)
Seattle, Washington, U.S.
NationalityAmerican / Italian[1]
Listed height6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Listed weight250 lb (113 kg)
Career information
High schoolO'Dea (Seattle, Washington)
CollegeDuke (2021–2022)
NBA draft2022: 1st round, 1st overall pick
Selected by the Orlando Magic
Playing career2022–present
Career history
2022–presentOrlando Magic
Career highlights and awards
Stats at NBA.com Edit this at Wikidata
Stats at Basketball Reference Edit this at Wikidata

Paolo Napoleon James Banchero[2] (/ˈpaʊloʊ bæŋˈkɛəroʊ/ POW-loh bang-KAIR-oh,[3] Italian: [ˈpaːolo baŋˈkɛːro]; born November 12, 2002) is an American-Italian professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils. Banchero was named the Rookie of the Year of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 2022. Following his freshman season, he declared for the 2022 NBA draft, where he was selected with the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic. Banchero was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2023.

Early life

[edit]

Banchero reached a height of 3 feet (0.9 m) at 15 months of age.[4] In his childhood, he played basketball and American football and took part in track.[5] He grew up playing basketball at Rotary Boys and Girls Club of Seattle, as well as EBC Camps most notably the Ballislife Jr. All-American Camp, drawing inspiration from his mother, who played professionally. In seventh grade, Banchero grew from 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) to 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m).[6] He was ranked among the top 50 eighth-graders nationally in both basketball and football.[7]

High school career

[edit]
Banchero playing for O'Dea High School in 2020

In his first year at O'Dea High School in Seattle, Banchero played football, as the backup quarterback on the state championship team, as well as basketball.[8] As a freshman on the basketball team, he averaged 14.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.[9] In his sophomore season, Banchero averaged 18.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game, leading O'Dea to the Class 3A state championship, where he was named most valuable player.[10] As a junior, he averaged 22.6 points, 11 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.6 blocks per game for the Class 3A runners-up, earning Washington Gatorade Player of the Year and MaxPreps National Junior of the Year honors.[11][12] Banchero was named to the McDonald's All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic rosters.[13]

Recruiting

[edit]

Banchero was a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2021 class. Although he received offers from top NCAA Division I programs, including Duke and Kentucky, most recruiting analysts predicted that he would commit to Washington.[14] Despite the predictions, on August 20, 2020, Banchero committed to playing college basketball for Duke.[15][16][17]

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Paolo Banchero
PF 		Seattle, WA O'Dea (WA) 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 235 lb (107 kg) Aug 20, 2020 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:5/5 stars   247Sports:5/5 stars    ESPN:5/5 stars   ESPN grade: 97
Overall recruiting rankings:   Rivals: 2  247Sports: 2  ESPN: 3[18]
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "Duke 2021 Basketball Commitments". Rivals.com. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
  • "2021 Duke Blue Devils Recruiting Class". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
  • "2021 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved September 22, 2021.

College career

[edit]

In his college debut, a 79–71 win against Kentucky, Banchero scored 22 points.[19] On November 15, Banchero earned his first Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Freshman of the Week honor.[20] On November 23, 2021, Banchero scored 28 points and 8 rebounds in a 107–81 victory against the Citadel.[21] On November 27, 2021, Banchero scored 21 points and 5 rebounds in a 84–81 win against Gonzaga.[22] On November 29, 2021, Banchero was named ACC freshman of the week for the second time.[23] On December 23, 2021, Banchero put up 23 points in a 76–65 victory over Virginia Tech.[24] On January 12, 2022, Banchero scored 24 points and 5 rebounds in a 76–64 victory against Wake Forest.[25] On January 15, 2022, Banchero tallied 21 points and 8 rebounds in a 88–73 win over NC State.[26] On January 17, 2022, Banchero earned ACC Freshman of the week honors.[27] On February 12, 2022, Banchero scored 16 points and 14 rebounds in a 72–61 win against Boston College.[28] He was named first-team All-ACC as well as ACC Rookie of the Year.[29] On March 15, 2022, Banchero was named a Third Team All-American.[30] During the 2022 NCAA tournament, Banchero performed well, including scoring 22 points against Texas Tech.[31] As a freshman, he averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. On April 20, 2022, Banchero declared for the 2022 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.[32]

Professional career

[edit]

Orlando Magic (2022–present)

[edit]

2022–2023: Rookie of the Year

[edit]

Banchero was selected with the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the 2022 NBA draft.[33] During the draft at that time, it was a surprising selection as the Magic were reported to be taking Jabari Smith Jr. with their pick. He made his 2022 NBA Summer League debut on July 7 against the Houston Rockets with 17 points, four rebounds and six assists in a 91–77 win.[34] On October 3, 2022, Banchero made his preseason debut, putting up eight points, two rebounds and one assist in a 109–97 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.[35] On October 19, Banchero made his regular-season debut, putting up 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks in a 113–109 loss to the Detroit Pistons. Banchero also became the first player since LeBron James to put up at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists in an NBA debut.[36] On November 5, Banchero put up 33 points and 16 rebounds in a 126–123 loss to the Sacramento Kings. He also became the second teenager in NBA history to put up at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a game, joining LeBron James.[37] At the season's end, Banchero was named the NBA Rookie of the Year and earned NBA All-Rookie Team honors.[38][39]

2023–2024: First All-Star and playoff appearance

[edit]

On November 2, 2023, Banchero put up 30 points alongside a game-winning layup in a 115–113 win over the Utah Jazz.[40] On November 4, Banchero recorded a 25-point and 10-assist double-double while adding seven rebounds and leading the Magic to a 120–101 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.[41] On November 15, Banchero posted 17 points, nine rebounds, and made a game-winner in a 96–94 win over the Chicago Bulls.[42] On December 6, Banchero put up a then career-high 42 points in a 121–111 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.[43] On January 3, 2024, Banchero scored a then career-high 43 points in a 138–135 double overtime loss against the Sacramento Kings.[44] On January 6, Banchero recorded his first career triple-double with 30 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and 3 steals in a 122–120 win over the Denver Nuggets.[45] On February 1, 2024, Banchero was named to his first career All-Star Game as an Eastern Conference reserve.[46] On February 24, Banchero put up 15 points alongside a game-winning jumpshot in a 112–109 win over the Detroit Pistons.[47]

On April 20, Banchero played in his first career postseason game, recording 24 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, however committing nine turnovers in a 97–83 loss in Game 1 of the First Round to the Cleveland Cavaliers.[48] Trailing 2–0 heading into Game 3, Banchero led Orlando to a 121–83 dominant victory over Cleveland behind his 31-point, 14-rebound performance.[49] In Game 5, Banchero scored a playoff career-high 39 points, along with eight rebounds and four assists in a 104–103 narrow loss to the Cavaliers.[50] Orlando would go on to lose to Cleveland in seven games despite Banchero's 38-point and playoff career-high 16-rebound outing in the 106–94 close-out loss in Game 7.[51]

2024–2025

[edit]

On October 23, 2024, in the Magic's season-opening game, Banchero put up 33 points and 11 rebounds in a 116–97 win over the Miami Heat. He joined Shaquille O’Neal and Tracy McGrady as the only players in Magic franchise history to put up at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in a season-opening game.[52] On October 28, Banchero put up a career-high 50 points, along with 13 rebounds, nine assists, and two blocks in a 119–115 win over the Indiana Pacers.[53]

On October 30, while playing against the Chicago Bulls, Banchero suffered a torn oblique on his right side. Banchero later stated that he played through the pain, only receiving medical attention after Orlando's loss. On November 1, hours before a game against Cleveland, Banchero's diagnosis was made public. He is currently expected to be re-examined four to six weeks following the initial diagnosis, and will sit out indefinitely.[54][55]

National team career

[edit]

Banchero was eligible to play for the Italy national team and indicated his willingness to represent Italy in international competitions.[56] He was selected to their 24-man squad for the EuroBasket 2022 qualification games in November 2020; however, he did not play.[57] In June 2023, Banchero opted to play for the 2023 U.S. national team at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.[58] He said that his mother had played for Team USA, so it was always his dream.[59] Gianni Petrucci, president of the Italian Basketball Federation, described Banchero's decision as "betrayal."[60]

Career statistics

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Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

NBA

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2022–23 Orlando 72 72 33.7 .427 .298 .738 6.9 3.7 .8 .5 20.0
2023–24 Orlando 80 80 35.0 .455 .339 .725 6.9 5.4 .9 .6 22.6
Career 152 152 34.4 .442 .321 .731 6.9 4.6 .9 .6 21.3
All-Star 1 0 18.9 .333 .000 — 9.0 5.0 .0 .0 6.0

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2024 Orlando 7 7 37.5 .456 .400 .755 8.6 4.0 1.1 .6 27.0
Career 7 7 37.5 .456 .400 .755 8.6 4.0 1.1 .6 27.0

College

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2021–22 Duke 39 39 33.0 .478 .338 .729 7.8 3.2 1.1 .9 17.2

Personal life

[edit]

Banchero's mother, Rhonda (née Smith), played college basketball for Washington, leaving as the program's all-time scoring leader. She was a third-round selection in the 2000 WNBA draft and played professionally in the American Basketball League and overseas, before becoming a basketball coach at Holy Names Academy in Seattle.[4][6] Banchero's father, Mario, and his uncle played college football for Washington. His parents met while attending the University of Washington.[14]

Banchero is of African-American descent on his mother's side and of Italian descent on his father's side.[8] In February 2020, he received Italian citizenship because of his paternal ancestry.[61]

Banchero's paternal cousin, Chris Banchero,[62] is also a professional basketball player in the Philippine Basketball Association, playing for the Meralco Bolts.[63] They both won championships at O'Dea High School.

On the morning of November 14, 2021, Banchero was charged with aiding and abetting DUI after Duke teammate Michael Savarino, grandson of coach Mike Krzyzewski, was arrested on DUI charges.[64] On July 29, 2022, the charges against Banchero were dropped after Savarino pled guilty to DUI.[65]

On May 8, 2022, Banchero attended the inaugural Miami Grand Prix in Miami Gardens where he was mistakenly interviewed by Sky Sports announcer Martin Brundle believing he was Patrick Mahomes.[66] The gaffe was caught on live television.

Banchero has a rare condition that enables him to lose 7 pounds of sweat each game, which leads him to experience cramps and stunt his in-game performance.[67] [better source needed]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Paolo Banchero - Player Profile". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  2. ^ "Paolo Banchero – 2021–22 – Men's Basketball". Duke University. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  3. ^ NBA 2K22: Paolo Banchero Gets Scanned In Game. NBA 2K. March 18, 2022. Event occurs at 0:04. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
  4. ^ a b Glass, Gregg (March 2, 2004). "Flashback: Rhonda Smith Franklin, Class of 1992". The Seattle Times. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
  5. ^ Egan, Chris (February 13, 2020). "O'Dea basketball star Paolo Banchero getting national attention". KING-TV. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  6. ^ a b Allen, Aaron (February 12, 2020). "Paolo Banchero's Humility And Leadership Has Led Him To A Stellar Season". Seattle Medium. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
  7. ^ "Mercer Island student nationally ranked in two sports". Mercer Island Reporter. May 8, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
  8. ^ a b Bennett, Brian (July 30, 2019). "He goes by Paolo (Banchero), and his game may make him a household name". The Athletic. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
  9. ^ Divens, Jordan (April 19, 2018). "2017–18 MaxPreps Boys Basketball Freshman All-American Team". MaxPreps. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  10. ^ Divens, Jordan (April 18, 2019). "2018–19 MaxPreps Boys Basketball Sophomore All-American Team". MaxPreps. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  11. ^ Joyce, Nathan (March 26, 2020). "O'Dea's Paolo Banchero named Gatorade player of the year for Washington". The Seattle Times. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  12. ^ Divens, Jordan (March 30, 2020). "MaxPreps 2019–20 Boys Basketball Junior All-American Team". MaxPreps. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  13. ^ Joyce, Nathan (February 23, 2021). "O'Dea's Paolo Banchero one of three from Washington named to McDonald's All-America team". The Seattle Times. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
  14. ^ a b Parrish, Gary (July 31, 2019). "Duke, Kentucky and UNC are recruiting Paolo Banchero, but family ties to Washington make his choice tough". CBS Sports. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
  15. ^ Medcalf, Myron (August 20, 2020). "Duke gets commitment from Paolo Banchero". ESPN. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  16. ^ King, JD (August 20, 2020). "Duke Recruiting: Paolo Banchero commits". Duke Basketball Report. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  17. ^ Allen, Percy (August 20, 2020). "O'Dea basketball star Paolo Banchero commits to Duke over UW". The Seattle Times. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  18. ^ "NBA Draft 2022 Best Remaining Players – ESPN Draftcast".
  19. ^ "Coach K wins Garden finale as Duke tops Kentucky 79–71". ESPN. Associated Press. November 9, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
  20. ^ "NC State's Seabron, Duke's Banchero Earn First ACC Weekly Honors of Season". Atlantic Coast Conference. November 15, 2021. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  21. ^ "Banchero, Moore Lead No.5 Duke Past The Citadel, 107–81". GoDuke.com. Duke Blue Devils. November 22, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  22. ^ Boone, Kyle (November 27, 2021). "Duke's Paolo Banchero outplays Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren in battle of top NBA Draft prospects". CBS Sports. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  23. ^ "Duke's Moore Jr., Banchero Notch ACC Men's Basketball Weekly Honors". Atlantic Coast Conference. November 29, 2021. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  24. ^ "Banchero, No.2 Duke beat Virginia Tech 76-65 in ACC Opener". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 23, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  25. ^ "Frosh duo helps No.8 Duke beat Wake Forest without Coach K". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 12, 2022. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  26. ^ "Coach K back, No.8 Duke rolls inside to beat NC State". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 15, 2022. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  27. ^ "UNC's Bacot, Duke's Banchero Pick Up ACC Men's Basketball Weekly Honors". TheACC.com. Atlantic Coast Conference. January 17, 2022. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  28. ^ "Banchero's 16 points and 14 boards leads No.7 Duke past BC". ESPN.com. Associated Press. February 12, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  29. ^ "ACC Unveils 2021–22 Men's Basketball Awards" (Press release). Atlantic Coast Conference. March 7, 2022. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
  30. ^ "The Associated Press Men's All-America Teams". Associated Press. March 15, 2022.
  31. ^ "Texas Tech vs. Duke – Box Score – March 24, 2022 – ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  32. ^ "Paolo Banchero to declare for NBA draft after one season with Duke Blue Devils". ESPN. April 20, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  33. ^ Savage, Dan (June 23, 2022). "Oh, Paolo! Magic Select Banchero with First Overall Pick in 2022 NBA Draft". nba.com. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  34. ^ Salao, Renzo (July 7, 2022). "Paolo Banchero reacts to showing out in Summer League debut vs. Jabari Smith, Rockets". ClutchPoints. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  35. ^ Pagaduan, Jedd (October 3, 2022). "Magic forward Paolo Banchero's preseason debut will leave Dejounte Murray smirking". ClutchPoints. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
  36. ^ Villas, Rexwell (October 19, 2022). "Paolo Banchero's epic debut matches rare LeBron James rookie feat". ClutchPoints. Retrieved October 19, 2022.
  37. ^ Yapkowitz, David (November 5, 2022). "Paolo Banchero's latest feat only ever done by LeBron James". ClutchPoints. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  38. ^ Reynolds, Tim (April 26, 2023). "Paolo Banchero named 2022–23 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year". NBA.com. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  39. ^ "Paolo Banchero headlines 2022–23 Kia NBA All-Rookie teams". NBA.com. May 9, 2023. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  40. ^ Sampson, Peter (November 2, 2023). "Paolo Banchero reveals game-winning mindset as Magic top Jazz". ClutchPoints. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  41. ^ Magic rout short-handed Lakers 120-101
  42. ^ Smith, Christopher (November 15, 2023). "Magic's Paolo Banchero spoils Zach LaVine's Bulls heroics with epic game-winner". ClutchPoints. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  43. ^ Pagaduan, Jedd (December 6, 2023). "Magic's Paolo Banchero reveals how security guard predicted career-high game vs. Cavs". ClutchPoints. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  44. ^ "Kings outlast short-handed Magic in double overtime behind triple-double from Domantas Sabonis". ESPN.com. January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  45. ^ "Banchero records 1st triple-double, hits go-ahead free throws as Magic hold off Nuggets 122-120". ESPN.com. January 5, 2024. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
  46. ^ "2024 NBA All-Star reserves announced". NBA.com. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  47. ^ Yapkowitz, David (February 24, 2024). "Paolo Banchero's Magic game-winner sparks fan shock over missed traveling call". ClutchPoints. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  48. ^ Brener, Jeremy (April 20, 2024). "Magic Offense Struggles Mightily in Game 1 Loss vs. Cavs". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  49. ^ Robbins, Josh (April 26, 2024). "Paolo Banchero delivers Game 3 star turn he promised Magic teammates". TheAthletic. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  50. ^ "Evan Mobley has huge block in final seconds as Cavaliers hold off Banchero, Magic 104-103 in Game 5". ESPN.com. April 30, 2024. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  51. ^ "Donovan Mitchell scores 39 points as Cavaliers push past Magic 106-94 in Game 7 to get Boston next". ESPN.com. May 5, 2024. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  52. ^ Ojeda, Julian (October 23, 2024). "Paolo Banchero joins Shaquille O'Neal, Tracy McGrady with stellar opening night". ClutchPoints. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  53. ^ Yapkowitz, David (October 28, 2024). "Paolo Banchero's stunning stat line vs. Pacers is first of its kind in NBA history". ClutchPoints. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  54. ^ "Magic star Banchero sidelined with torn oblique". ESPN.com. October 31, 2024. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  55. ^ "Orlando Magic | NBA.com". www.nba.com. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  56. ^ "Paolo Banchero: 'I'm excited to play for Italy'". BasketNews.com. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  57. ^ "Ambitious Banchero waits in the wings for Italy". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  58. ^ Rasmussen, Karl (June 26, 2023). "Paolo Banchero's Team USA Decision Drew Irate Response From Italian Basketball Federation President". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  59. ^ Vardon, Joe. "Inside Paolo Banchero's decision to play for Team USA over Italy: 'He fooled us'". The Athletic. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  60. ^ "Paolo Banchero 'fooled us' by deciding to play for USA, Italian basketball president says". USA TODAY. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  61. ^ Evans, Jayda (March 2, 2020). "First, state for O'Dea's Paolo Banchero. Next, the world?". The Seattle Times. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
  62. ^ Ramos, Gerry (July 20, 2022). "Chris Banchero says sky's the limit for cousin Paolo". Spin.ph. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  63. ^ "PAANO Na-Impluwensyahan Ni Chris Banchero Si Paolo Sa Basketball", YouTube, June 19, 2022, retrieved June 20, 2022
  64. ^ Borzello, Jeff (November 16, 2021). "Duke basketball player Michael Savarino, grandson of coach Mike Krzyzewski, faces DUI charges along with Paolo Banchero". ESPN. Retrieved November 16, 2021.
  65. ^ ESPN Staff (July 29, 2022). "Orlando Magic's Paolo Banchero has DWI-related charge against him dropped". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
  66. ^ O'Donnell, Ricky (May 8, 2022). "This F1 announcer thought he was talking to Patrick Mahomes. It was really Paolo Banchero". SBNation.com. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  67. ^ Bengel, Chris (December 1, 2021). "Duke's Paolo Banchero reportedly loses seven pounds per game due to 'heavy sweating'". CBSSports.com. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
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