Paolo Banchero Biography

Paolo Banchero, born November 12, 2002, is an American and Italian professional basketball player who has played for the Orlando Magic in the National Basketball Association. He competed in college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils during his freshman year. Banchero received the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year honor in 2022. Following his freshman season, he was selected first overall in the 2022 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. He was not drafted in the 2000 WNBA draft, and no professional play in the American Basketball League or overseas is attributed to him. On November 23, 2021, Banchero recorded 28 points and 8 rebounds in a 107–81 win over The Citadel. On November 29, 2021, he was recognized as the ACC freshman of the week for the second time.