This young star is more than just a player on the court – Paolo Banchero is a force to be reckoned with, both in the game and in his financial success. Banchero’s journey took an extraordinary turn when he became the top pick for the Orlando Magic in the 2022 NBA draft.
This remarkable achievement marked him as the second Italian player to claim this prestigious spot. But that’s not all – Banchero’s talent and hard work have earned him accolades like ACC Rookie of the Year and the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
As Banchero’s story continues to unfold, there’s an exciting future ahead for this incredible athlete. Keep an eye on him as he adds more chapters to his journey, showing us all that hard work, passion, and skill can lead to remarkable achievements.
Paolo Banchero – Profile
- Full Name: Paolo Napoleon James Banchero
- Date of Birth: November 12, 2002
- Birthplace: Seattle, Washington, USA
- Age: 21
- Height: 6 feet 10 inches
- Weight: 113 kg
- Girlfriend: None
- Social Media: Instagram
- Last Updated: September 2023
Who is Paolo Banchero? Parents and Early Life
The American professional basketball player, Paolo Banchero was born on November 12, 2002, in Seattle, Washington, USA. He was born to a couple Mario Banchero and Rhonda Smith-Banchero. His mother, Rhonda is a former professional basketball player.
Since the Banchero family was popular because of Rhonda, Paolo got an early kickstart in his basketball career. On the other hand, the couple did a fine job in raising Paolo along with his siblings, brother Lio Banchero, and sister Mia Banchero.
Likewise, Banchero had a growth spurt when he was young, reaching 3 feet tall at just 15 months old. He loved playing basketball, American football, and track when he was a kid. He learned basketball at places like the Rotary Boys and Girls Club of Seattle and the Ballislife Jr. All-American Camp, where he got inspired by his mom who was a pro player.
(Image Source: Instagram)
In middle school, Banchero grew from 6 feet 1 inch to 6 feet 5 inches. He was really good at both basketball and football, and he was among the best eighth-graders in the country.
When he started high school at O’Dea in Seattle, Paolo played football and basketball as the backup quarterback. In his first year there, he did well, averaging 14.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.
In the following year, he did even better, with 18.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. His team won the state championship, and he was the most valuable player.
As a junior, he kept impressing everyone with 22.6 points, 11 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game. He got awards like Washington Gatorade Player of the Year and MaxPreps National Junior of the Year.
He was chosen to play in big games like the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic. People knew he was really good and a top player in his class.
Even though everyone thought he’d go to Washington, Paolo surprised everyone by choosing to play college basketball for Duke on August 20, 2020. He was a superstar in the making.
Paolo Banchero College Career – Close to becoming a Pro
Banchero had an amazing start in college. In his very first game against Kentucky, he scored a whopping 22 points and helped his team win 79-71.
Just a little while later, on November 15, he got a special award for being a fantastic new player in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Then, on November 23, 2021, Banchero had another fantastic game. He scored 28 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, and his team won 107-81 against the Citadel.
(Image Source: Instagram)
Paolo did so well throughout the season that he was chosen for the top ACC team and also won the ACC Rookie of the Year award.
In March 2022, he got another big recognition and was named a Third Team All-American. When the 2022 NCAA tournament came around, Banchero kept shining. He played really well, like when he scored 22 points against Texas Tech.
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As a freshman, he had an average of 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. That’s pretty impressive.
Then, on April 20, 2022, Banchero decided to take his talents to the next level. He declared himself ready for the 2022 NBA draft and chose not to play in college anymore. He was ready for the big leagues.
Paolo Banchero Professional Career: The Beginning
Banchero’s journey continued to soar as he was chosen as the very first pick by the Orlando Magic in the 2022 NBA draft. This made him the second Italian player, following Andrea Bargnani, to achieve this remarkable feat. What a moment for him!
But here’s the twist, during the draft, there was a surprise in the air. The Magic had originally planned to select Jabari Smith Jr., but fate had a different plan, and Banchero’s name lit up the stage.
On a summer day, July 7, Banchero made his NBA Summer League debut. He faced the Houston Rockets and showed his skills with 17 points, four rebounds, and six assists. His team won, and his smile must have been as bright as his performance.
(Image Source: Instagram)
Now, fast forward to October 3, 2022. Banchero was ready for the preseason. He played his heart out, contributing eight points, two rebounds, and one assist, even though his team lost. The Memphis Grizzlies might have won the game, but Banchero’s spirit couldn’t be defeated.
Then, on a thrilling October 19, something extraordinary happened. Banchero marked his regular-season debut with a bang! He scored 27 points, grabbed nine rebounds, dished out five assists, and blocked two shots. Though his team, the Orlando Magic, didn’t win, his performance was a victory in itself. Oh, and get this: Paolo did something only LeBron James had done before—he scored more than 25 points, snatched more than five rebounds, and made over five assists in his very first NBA game.
November 5 was a day to remember. Banchero showed his brilliance again, scoring an impressive 33 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, even though his team lost again. And guess what? He became just the second teenager in NBA history to achieve such a feat, joining the likes of LeBron James.
And then, the grand finale of his rookie season: Banchero was named the NBA Rookie of the Year. Banchero’s hard work, dedication, and remarkable talent earned him this esteemed title, making him the first Italian player to win this award in their rookie season. What a way to make history!
Banchero’s story is one of triumph, surprises, and making dreams come true. Each chapter of his journey paints a picture of determination and success.
What is Paolo Banchero Net Worth in 2023?
Banchero is a basketball star with a lot more to him than just his skills on the court. Paolo Banchero net worth is $2 million, showing how committed he is to the game.
He made history by being the first pick for the Orlando Magic in the 2022 NBA draft, joining an exclusive group of Italian players. Banchero’s impressive journey includes awards like ACC Rookie of the Year and NBA Rookie of the Year, proving his greatness.
Paolo’s net worth tells us that hard work pays off. Banchero’s story is unfolding, and we’re excited to see what he achieves next in his amazing career. There is more to come and seeing his current performances tells us he could achieve more in the upcoming days.