Paolo Banchero, born on November 12, 2002, is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Orlando Magic in the NBA. He played for the Duke Blue Devils in college basketball, and was awarded the Rookie of the Year title for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 2022. After completing his freshman year, Banchero declared for the 2022 NBA draft, and was selected as the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic.
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Learn about Paolo Banchero, the rising star in the NBA, including his age, height, position, parents, stats, wingspan, and salary. Explore his contract, injury, summer league, jersey, and highlights, as well as his connection with Dejounte Murray. Discover interesting facts about Paolo Banchero’s family and his relationship with his fellow basketball players.
Table of Contents
Paolo Banchero Bio/Wiki Table
| Name | Paolo Napoleon James Banchero |
|---|---|
| Nickname | The Slam Dunk Hero |
| Birthdate | November 12, 2002 |
| Birthplace | Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Age | 20 Years Old |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Nationality | American |
| Current Team | Orlando Magic (NBA) |
| College Team | Duke Blue Devils |
| Position | Power Forward |
| Height | 6′ 9″ (2.06 m) |
| Weight | 250 lb (113 kg) |
| High School | O’Dea High School |
| Draft Year | 2022 |
| Draft Round | 1st Overall |
| Draft Pick | Orlando Magic |
| Achievements | ACC Rookie of the Year (2022) |
| @paolo | |
| @Pp_doesit |
Early Life
Paolo Banchero was born on November 12, 2002, in Seattle, Washington, to Rhonda Smith and Mario Banchero. He grew up in Seattle and attended O’Dea High School, where he played high school basketball. His father, Mario, also played basketball in college for Seattle University. Banchero was a highly-touted prospect in high school and was ranked as the No. 3 overall player in the class of 2021 by ESPN. He ultimately committed to play college basketball at Duke University.
Parents
Paolo Banchero’s family has played an important role in his life and career. His parents, Mario Banchero and Rhonda Smith-Banchero, are both accomplished athletes. Paolo takes after his mother, who played on the college basketball team and was the first player from Washington to compete in the WNBA. Rhonda scored an impressive 2,948 points and grabbed 803 rebounds during her career. She also played nicely in the American Basketball Association and abroad. After being selected in the third round of the 2000 WNBA draft, she began coaching basketball at Holy Names School in Seattle.
Paolo’s father, Mario Banchero, has an Italian heritage and played tight end for the Husky football team. This Italian lineage has also influenced Paolo, who is a member of both the United States and Italy. In fact, he was chosen for Italy’s 24-man team for the EuroBasket 2022 qualifying matches, but did not take part after becoming an Italian citizen in June 2020. Paolo expressed his pride in representing Italy, saying, “I’m glad to represent Italy and am proud of my family’s history.”
Overall, Paolo Banchero’s family has a rich history in sports and has played a significant role in shaping his career. With his talent and drive, Paolo is sure to continue making his family and fans proud with his impressive performances on the court.
Education
Paolo Banchero attended O’Dea High School in Seattle, Washington, where he played basketball and was a highly-rated prospect. After completing his high school education, Banchero committed to play college basketball at Duke University, where he played for one year before declaring for the NBA draft.
Nationality & Ethnicity
Paolo Banchero is an American citizen, and his ethnicity is mixed. His father, Mario Banchero, is of Italian descent, while his mother, Rhonda Smith, is African-American.
Paolo Banchero Age: How Old Is Paolo Banchero?
Paolo Banchero, the rising star of the Orlando Magic, was born on November 12, 2002, which makes him 20 years old as of 2023. At such a young age, Banchero has already made a name for himself in the world of basketball. He was a highly-touted prospect in high school, and was ranked as the No. 3 overall player in the class of 2021 by ESPN. He went on to play college basketball for Duke University, where he was named the Rookie of the Year for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 2022.
Banchero’s age has not hindered his success, as he has already achieved many accolades in his basketball career. At 6’10” and 250 pounds, Banchero has a powerful build that allows him to dominate on the court. He plays as a power forward and is known for his impressive scoring ability and strong defensive skills. Banchero’s age and skillset make him an exciting player to watch, and he is expected to have a bright future ahead of him in the NBA.
Paolo Banchero Height: How Tall Is Paolo Banchero?
Paolo Banchero, the young basketball sensation from the Orlando Magic, stands at an impressive height of 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 meters). His towering stature, combined with his strong build and athleticism, make him a dominant force on the court. Banchero’s height is one of the factors that contribute to his skill and success as a power forward.
Despite his young age, Banchero’s height has helped him make a name for himself in the basketball world. He was a highly-touted prospect in high school, and his impressive height and athleticism made him stand out among other players. Banchero went on to play college basketball for Duke University, where his height and skill helped him earn the title of Rookie of the Year for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 2022.
In the NBA, height can often be an advantage for players, especially in positions like power forward where Banchero excels. Banchero’s height and skill make him a valuable asset to the Orlando Magic, and his potential for growth and improvement is exciting for fans and analysts alike. As he continues to develop his skills and build his career, Banchero’s height will undoubtedly continue to play a significant role in his success on the court.
Paolo Banchero Weight: How Much Does Paolo Banchero Weigh?
Paolo Banchero, the rising star of the Orlando Magic, weighs in at 250 pounds (113 kg). His weight, combined with his impressive height of 6’10” (2.08 m), gives him a powerful and imposing presence on the basketball court. Banchero’s weight is one of the factors that contribute to his strength and agility as a power forward, allowing him to hold his own against larger and more experienced players.
Despite his young age, Banchero’s weight has not hindered his success on the court. He was a highly-touted prospect in high school, and his strength and agility helped him stand out among other players. Banchero went on to play college basketball for Duke University, where he was named the Rookie of the Year for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 2022.
High School Career
During his time at O’Dea High School in Seattle, Paolo Banchero played both football and basketball, quickly establishing himself as a standout athlete. As a freshman on the basketball team, Banchero averaged 14.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. He continued to impress in his sophomore year, averaging 18.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, leading O’Dea to a Class 3A state championship and earning the title of most valuable player.
In his junior year, Banchero’s talent truly shone, as he averaged an impressive 22.6 points, 11 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game, propelling O’Dea to the Class 3A runners-up position. His performance earned him a number of prestigious honors, including the Washington Gatorade Player of the Year and MaxPreps National Junior of the Year. He was also selected for the McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic rosters, cementing his status as one of the most promising young basketball players in the country.
Banchero’s impressive high school career made him a highly sought-after recruit, receiving offers from several top NCAA Division I programs, including Duke and Kentucky. While most analysts predicted he would commit to the University of Washington, Banchero surprised many by committing to Duke on August 20, 2020, where he played for one year before declaring for the NBA draft.
College Career
Paolo Banchero’s college career got off to an incredible start with a stunning debut against Kentucky, where he scored 22 points in a 79-71 victory. This set the stage for an impressive freshman year at Duke University, where Banchero quickly established himself as a top player in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
On November 15, 2021, Banchero earned his first ACC Freshman of the Week honor, and he continued to perform well throughout the season. He scored 28 points and 8 rebounds in a dominant victory against the Citadel on November 23, 2021. Banchero’s impressive performance throughout the season earned him first-team All-ACC honors as well as the title of ACC Rookie of the Year.
Banchero’s success on the court continued into the 2022 NCAA tournament, where he played a key role in Duke’s success. He scored 22 points against Texas Tech in one of the tournament games, further cementing his status as a standout player. By the end of his freshman year, Banchero had an impressive stat line, averaging 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. While his college career was brief, Banchero’s talent and skill were undeniable, and he has already established himself as a top prospect for the NBA.
Professional Career
Orlando Magic (2022–present)
Paolo Banchero’s professional career got off to a flying start when he was selected with the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the 2022 NBA draft. He quickly proved himself during the summer league, making his debut on July 7 with an impressive 17 points, four rebounds, and six assists in a 91-77 win against the Houston Rockets.
Banchero’s skills were further showcased during the preseason, where he made his debut on October 3, 2022, putting up eight points, two rebounds, and one assist in a 109-97 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. However, it was in his regular season debut on October 19, where Banchero truly shone. He put up an impressive 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and two blocks in a 113-109 loss to the Detroit Pistons. In doing so, he became the first player since LeBron James to record at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists in an NBA debut.
Banchero’s star continued to rise on November 5, 2022, when he put up 33 points and 16 rebounds in a 126-123 loss to the Sacramento Kings. This performance made him the second teenager in NBA history to record at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a game, joining the ranks of legendary player LeBron James.
Career Stats
Paolo Banchero has already established himself as a rising star in the NBA with his impressive performance on the court. In his rookie season with the Orlando Magic, Banchero played in 72 games, averaging 33.8 minutes per game. He averaged 20.0 points per game, shooting 42.7% from the field and 29.8% from beyond the arc. Banchero also averaged 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, showcasing his versatility as a player.
Banchero’s stats demonstrate his ability to be a well-rounded player, making significant contributions to both offense and defense. His impressive performance has garnered attention from fans and analysts alike, and he is widely regarded as one of the most promising young players in the league.
Looking at his career stats, it is clear that Banchero’s talent and skill have been evident from the very beginning. Banchero’s stats and performance on the court indicate that he has a bright future ahead of him, and his potential for growth and improvement is exciting to watch.
| Year | Team | GP | Min | Pts | FG% | 3pt% | Reb | Ast | Stl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Magic | 72 | 33.8 | 20.0 | 42.7 | 29.8 | 6.9 | 3.7 | 0.8 |
| Career | 72 | 33.8 | 20.0 | 42.7 | 29.8 | 6.9 | 3.7 | 0.8 |
Salary
As one of the most promising young players in the NBA, Paolo Banchero has already made a significant impact in his rookie season with the Orlando Magic. It is no surprise that the team is investing in him for the long term. In fact, Banchero signed a $40.1 million, 4-year contract with the Magic at the start of July of 2022, indicating the team’s commitment to him.
Banchero’s salary is impressive for a novice, with a base salary of slightly over $11 million in his first year. This will increase to approximately $12.1 million in the 2024-2025 season and over $15.3 million in the 2025-2026 season. The Magic have an agreement with Banchero worth $11,055,120 for the 2022-2023 season, with wages for his upcoming three seasons set at $11,608,080, $12,160,800, and $15,334,769.
Banchero’s net worth is estimated to range from $1 million to $5 million, making him one of the highest-paid rookies in the league. With his impressive performance on the court and his significant earning potential, Banchero’s future looks bright both on and off the court.
| Season | Base Salary | Total Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | $11,055,120 | $11,055,120 |
| 2023-2024 | $11,608,080 | $22,663,200 |
| 2024-2025 | $12,160,800 | $34,824,000 |
| 2025-2026 | $15,334,769 | $50,158,769 |
Contract
Paolo Banchero’s contract with the Orlando Magic has been a subject of discussion among basketball fans and experts. While some have criticized the terms of the contract, others believe it gives the team some much-needed flexibility. Banchero’s first two seasons with the Magic (2022-2023 and 2023-2024) are fully guaranteed, meaning he will earn a total of $22.6 million during that time regardless of his performance.
However, after his second season, the terms of Banchero’s contract become less certain. Orlando has team options for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 NBA seasons, giving them the option to release Banchero if he is not performing up to their expectations or causes internal strife. While this is unlikely to happen given that Banchero was the team’s top pick, it does offer the Magic some financial flexibility in case they need it in the future.
According to Khobi Price of the Orlando Sentinel, Banchero signed a 4-year, $50.1 million rookie contract with the Magic on July 1. This was not surprising given that he was the team’s top pick in the draft. Despite lacking the defensive dominance of Chet Holmgren or the sweet shooting of Jabari Smith, Banchero’s versatility on the court is expected to make an impact in Orlando.
Overall, while there are some uncertainties surrounding Banchero’s contract with the Magic, it is clear that the team believes in his potential and is willing to invest in him for the long term.
| Season | Salary | Guaranteed |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | $11,055,120 | Yes |
| 2023-2024 | $11,608,080 | Yes |
| 2024-2025 | $12,160,800 | No |
| 2025-2026 | $15,334,769 | No |
Net Worth
Paolo Banchero’s impressive skills and talents as a basketball player have earned him a significant net worth. As of 2023, Banchero’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. This is not surprising given that he is one of the top players in the Orlando Magic team, and his performance on the court has made him a valuable asset to the team.
Banchero’s success in basketball has also led to him being a part of a huge basketball community in the United States. He plays in the National Basketball Association, which is the premier professional basketball league in the country. As a member of the NBA, Banchero is well-compensated for his talents and contributions to the sport.
Despite his young age, Banchero’s net worth is expected to continue to grow as he establishes himself as one of the best basketball players in the world. His hard work, dedication, and commitment to the sport have already earned him widespread recognition and admiration among basketball fans and experts alike.
Girlfriend
Paolo Banchero is a basketball superstar who has captured the hearts of fans all over the world with his skills on the court. However, when it comes to his personal life, Banchero has managed to keep things very private. As of now, there is no information available about his dating life or whether he is in a relationship.
Given his status as a college superstar and top NBA draft pick, it is quite surprising that Banchero has managed to keep his personal life out of the spotlight. However, it is possible that he is simply too focused on his career and doesn’t have time for a romantic relationship at the moment.
It’s also possible that Banchero has a secret girlfriend and simply prefers to keep his personal life private. Whatever the case may be, it is clear that Banchero is more focused on his career than his love life at this point in time.
As Banchero’s fame and reputation continue to grow, it’s likely that fans and the media will become more interested in his personal life. But for now, it seems that the basketball superstar is content to keep things under wraps and focus on his game.
Paolo Banchero and Chris Banchero
Paolo Banchero and Chris Banchero are related, and many Filipino fans are interested in their relationship. Both of them attended O’Dea High School and played basketball together, with Chris being an inspiration for Paolo to take up the sport. Although they share the same surname, they have different racial backgrounds, with Paolo being of Italian and African-American descent and Chris being an American-born Filipino-Italian.
In an interview with “Sports On Air,” Paolo said that Chris was a famous athlete in the city before him and that people would be surprised to hear that they were related since they look different from each other. Nevertheless, Paolo is proud of his cousin’s successful basketball career in the Philippines.
It is remarkable to think that the top NBA draft prospects this year are related to a PBA player. Still, Paolo and Chris Banchero’s relationship is proof that basketball runs in the Banchero family’s blood. Fans are excited to see what the future holds for both talented players.
Paolo Banchero and Bol Bol
Paolo Banchero, the rising star of the Orlando Magic, has been vocal about his admiration for Bol Bol. Despite being only 23 years old, Bol has shown remarkable talent and potential, averaging 13.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game in his first significant playing time with the Magic. Banchero, who himself is an impressive player, has compared Bol to Victor Wembanyama, the highly-anticipated French prospect for the upcoming NBA draft. However, Banchero believes that Bol has nothing to envy from Wembanyama or any other player for that matter.
Bol, who stands at 7 feet 2 inches (2.18 m), is a unique player with a wide range of skills. He can shoot 3s, handle the ball, pass, and block shots with ease. According to Banchero, Bol moves like a 6-foot-5 shooting guard (1.95 m), which is simply amazing. Despite suffering multiple injuries in the past, Bol has shown resilience and dedication to the game, which has earned him the respect of his teammates and fans alike.
Banchero and Bol share a love for basketball, and their admiration for each other is evident. Banchero’s appreciation for Bol’s skills and talents is a testament to the latter’s potential to become one of the best players in the league. As both players continue to develop their skills and excel on the court, fans can expect to see more of their dynamic performances in the future.
Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner
Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are both considered rising stars in the NBA. The Orlando Magic have been showcasing their versatility and potential in recent games. Despite their young age, Banchero and Wagner have been making significant contributions to the Magic’s games.
It is quite remarkable that Banchero, who is listed as a power forward, has the skills of a guard. He has been impressing fans with his ability to drive the ball up the court, make passes, shoot from beyond the arc, and block shots. Meanwhile, Wagner, who is listed as a small forward, has also been demonstrating his versatility on the court. He has been shooting well from the perimeter, rebounding, and defending multiple positions.
It’s clear that the Magic’s young players are a force to be reckoned with. With their impressive skills and versatility, they have been gaining a lot of attention in the league. As they continue to develop and improve, it will be exciting to see how they contribute to the Magic’s future success.
Paolo Banchero and Jayson Tatum
Paolo Banchero, the Orlando Magic rookie, idolizes Jayson Tatum and has modelled his playing style after him. The two have maintained a good relationship, and Tatum has been an inspiration for Banchero’s success in basketball. During the 2022 NBA Draft, Tatum had a significant impact on Banchero’s selection, and he remains an important figure in the young player’s career. Banchero is 2.08 meters tall and has gained a lot of attention for his incredible performances in high school basketball.
Jayson Tatum is a Boston Celtics superstar who is known for his scoring ability and smooth playing style. He is one of the NBA’s most dominant players, and his skills have made him a role model for young players like Banchero. The two players have a lot in common, from their playing style to their love for basketball. Banchero has often spoken about his admiration for Tatum, and the latter has been supportive of the young player’s career.
Banchero has been compared to Tatum for his versatility, scoring ability, and defensive skills. Both players are known for their ability to play multiple positions and are considered among the most promising talents in the NBA. While Tatum is already an established superstar, Banchero has shown tremendous potential, and many believe he has what it takes to follow in Tatum’s footsteps and become a dominant player in the league.
Paolo Banchero and Dejounte Murray
Paolo Banchero and Dejounte Murray were involved in an incident during a game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Orlando Magic. Murray allegedly made a comment to Banchero that crossed the line and caused the young player to react angrily. The incident occurred during a timeout in the second quarter of the game, and it caused a commotion on the court.
After the game, Murray addressed the incident in a tweet, saying that he had talked to Banchero and apologized for his comments. However, Banchero responded on social media, saying that Murray’s comments were unacceptable and that he would not tolerate that kind of behavior.
The incident between Banchero and Murray highlights the importance of respecting others on and off the court, and the need to address and apologize for inappropriate comments or behavior. It also serves as a reminder that even professional athletes can sometimes let their emotions get the better of them.
Position
Paolo Banchero is a versatile player who can play multiple positions on the basketball court. Although he is listed as a power forward, he has the skills and athleticism to play both forward positions and even some minutes at center if needed. At Duke University, he played a lot of minutes at the power forward position due to his size and strength. However, he also showed off his ball-handling and shooting abilities, which allowed him to play on the perimeter as well.
In the NBA, his position may vary based on the team’s needs and his development. His size, strength, and ability to score and rebound make him a prototypical modern power forward. However, he also possesses excellent ball-handling, passing, and shooting abilities, which make him a valuable small forward as well. With his versatility and work ethic, it’s no surprise that he was selected as the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the 2022 NBA draft.
As he continues to develop and gain experience at the professional level, it will be interesting to see which position he settles into long-term. Regardless, his versatility and ability to play multiple positions make him a valuable asset for any team.
Wingspan
Paolo Banchero has a wingspan of approximately 7 feet and 1 inch (86 inches or 218.44 cm). This measurement, along with his impressive height of 6 feet 10 inches (208 cm), gives him a significant advantage on the basketball court. His long wingspan allows him to defend the rim effectively, block shots, and grab rebounds at a high level. It also helps him to be a versatile scorer, as he can shoot over defenders with ease and finish with authority around the rim. With his combination of height and wingspan, Banchero is well-suited to play either forward position in the NBA.
Paolo Banchero Injury
In addition to being the league’s best rookie, Banchero was also performing at his peak before he got the pain. 8.3 rebounds per game and 23.5 points per game were enough to get some All-Star recognition. But has that disappeared since he left? Sam Vecenie of The Athletic believes otherwise.
Obviously, Banchero’s absence hasn’t helped his chances of making the All-Star team. But, if he continues where he left off and can avoid the bench, he will have a good chance of it.
Banchero would be just the eighth player to do so since 1990. He will also be the first rookie to be an All-Star since Blake Griffin in 2011. It’s uncommon, but possible if Banchero maintains the course he has set for himself in his life.
Paolo Banchero Sweat
On one Tuesday, Duke lost to Ohio State. It was 71-66 on the road in its opening contest after he got the name No. 1. Star Freshman Paolo Banchero did not contribute as much as normal in that game. He scored only 14 points and grabbed five rebounds.
Additionally, ESPN’s Holly Rowe noted during the game’s broadcast that Banchero is a “heavy sweater”. Also, he can lose up to seven pounds per game as a consequence. The doctors want Banchero now to undergo a big test. He also has to take a special “BOA Oxygenated Fluid” to prevent cramps.
The fact that Banchero has got into one of the best basketball players in the nation since coming to Duke suggests that whatever Banchero is doing is working. Despite the defeat to the Buckeyes, the Blue Devils still have their sights set on a strong March run to cap off Coach K’s final season.
Paolo Banchero Social Media
Paolo Banchero is active on social media, including Twitter and Instagram, where he shares his experiences and updates with his fans. His Twitter handle is @Pp_doesit and his Instagram handle is @p.banchero. Here are the links to his social media profiles:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Pp_doesit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p.banchero/
FAQs
Paolo Banchero FAQs
How much is the deal with Paolo Banchero worth?
Banchero is currently in the first year of a four-year contract, and for a novice, he is already making a sizable salary. He will receive a raise of roughly $500,000 and make slightly more than $11 million this year. Then, for the NBA season 2024–2025, this will rise to approximately $12.1 million.
Does Paolo Banchero receive payment?
This year, he is the 131st highest-paid NBA star. He is anticipated to earn $11,121 in the NBA the following season.
Is Paul Banchero a guard?
Before becoming a dual-threat power forward, Banchero had a guarding experience. Before working through a 6-inch growth surge just before high school, he grew up playing guard. He continued to apply those teachings in high school and college, which helped him become one of the more successful students in his field in recent memory.
Can Paolo Banchero defend well?
Paolo has had a great career start, and his defensive playmaking has stuck out. The defence of Banchero was somewhat bad throughout the selection process. He made the typical defensive errors that freshmen, particularly offensive stars, make all the time.
Why isn’t Banchero performing?
Due to a left ankle sprain, he got on November 7 during a defeat to the Houston Rockets, Banchero has been out for the past seven games. On Wednesday, he took part in team practice and was out of the injury list for the Sixers game.
