Paolo Banchero’s background

Paolo Banchero at 2018 USA Basketball Junior Championship

On November 12, 2002, Paolo Banchero was born in Seattle. It was at O’Dea High School that he began playing basketball as an amateur. He won the Gatorade Player of the Year award in his junior year with averages of 22.6 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. After completing high school, he was named a McDonald’s All-American.

ESPN said that Banchero was a five-star prospect right out of high school. Several collegiate basketball programs made offers to Banchero while he was a five-star recruit.

These included Tennessee, Oregon State, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Michigan, Memphis, Kentucky, Kansas, Iowa State, Gonzaga, Arizona, and Duke in addition to Vanderbilt, USC, Washington, and Memphis. Banchero ultimately decided on Duke.

Banchero guided the Blue Devils to the 2022 NCAA Tournament Final Four, where they were defeated 81-77 by North Carolina. Banchero’s efforts earned him a spot on the First Team All-ACC and ACC All-Freshman Teams. In addition, he won the title of ACC Rookie of the Year.

Rise of Paolo Banchero 

Banchero was a one-and-done player after spending just one season with Duke. He made the decision to formally enter the 2022 NBA Draft in order to forfeit his final years of NCAA eligibility. He was chosen first overall by the Orlando Magic on draft night in the first round. Banchero soon afterward inked a $50.16 million, four-year rookie contract with the Magic.
Despite the Magic’s dismal 34-48 record in his debut campaign, Banchero was one of the team’s bright spots. The 6-foot-10 power forward shot 43 percent from the field overall and averaged 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Banchero received the NBA Rookie of the Year award for his achievements.

 

Banchero made progress in the second season. Banchero is shooting 46 percent of the field overall in the 2023–2024 campaign, averaging 22.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. For the first time in his brief NBA career, Banchero—a rising star for the Magic—was selected as a reserve for the All-Star Game thanks to his outstanding play.

Endorsement Contracts

Nike’s Jordan Brand endorsed by Paolo Banchero

According to an ESPN story, the Magic’s emerging star even consented to ink a long-term contract with Nike’s Jordan brand.

As published by Clutch Points, Banchero has inked endorsement contracts with other well-known companies like JD Sports US, Philips Norelco, Gran Turismo movie, and video game developer 2K Sports.

Furthermore, according to a Sports Business Journal report, the former NBA Rookie of the Year is also one of the brand ambassadors for the upscale company Oakley.

International Accolades

After Team USA revealed its 41-man roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Banchero will likely be called upon to serve once more for the team. (Yahoo Sports)

Banchero was gaining attention in the world of basketball when he was rumored to play for the Italian national team in international tournaments, such as the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Banchero shot 58 percent from the floor overall and averaged 9.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Canada defeated Team USA in their bronze medal match.

Despite not returning with a medal, Banchero and Team USA did make $53,000 just by competing in the competition. And Team USA earned an additional $107,000 by making it to the round of 16. According to sources, Team USA earned an additional $1.2 million for qualifying to the final four.