Biography of Paolo Banchero
Paolo Banchero is an American basketball player who plays in the NBA as a wing-forward. He was born on November 12, 2002 in Seattle, Washington (USA). His height is 2m08. He plays for the Orlando Magic.
Origins
Paolo Banchero is the son of Rhonda and Mario Banchero. His mother played college basketball for Washington, becoming the program’s all-time leading scorer. She was selected in the third round of the 2000 WNBA draft and played professionally in the American Basketball League and abroad. All this before becoming a basketball coach at Holy Names Academy in Seattle. Paolo’s father Mario and uncle played college soccer for Washington. His parents met at the University of Washington. Paolo is of African-American descent through his mother and of Italian descent through his father. In February 2020, he received Italian citizenship due to his paternal ancestry. Paolo’s paternal cousin, Chris Banchero, is also a professional basketball player
Successive teams
Here’s Paolo Banchero’s evolution, from his beginnings to the present day.
High School
Paolo Banchero began his career at O’Dea High School in Seattle, playing American soccer and basketball. In his freshman year, he averaged 14.1 points and 10.2 rebounds. In his sophomore year, he led O’Dea to the Class 3A state championship, winning the MVP award. As a junior, he was named Washington’s Gatorade Player of the Year and MaxPreps’ National Junior of the Year. Recognized as a five-star recruit, Banchero chose to play for Duke.
NCAA
In his Duke debut, Banchero scored 22 points against Kentucky. He was twice named ACC Freshman of the Week and finished the season with several honors, including first-team All-ACC.
NBA
Chosen first overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2022 NBA draft, Banchero made an impressive debut. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year. During the 2023-2024 season, he recorded several remarkable performances, including a triple-double and his first All-Star Game selection.
National team career
Eligible to play for the Italian national team, Banchero expressed his desire to represent Italy. However, he chose to play for the US national team at the 2023 FIBA World Championship.
Game style
Paolo Banchero stands out for his versatility and imposing physique. He is effective in the post-up, using his strength to dominate opponents. His mid-range shooting is precise, adding a dimension to his offensive game. Banchero can also score from three-point range, stretching defenses. His dribbling ability is exceptional for a player of his size, allowing him to create his own shot. As a passer, he shows excellent vision of the game, facilitating offense. He uses his body to protect the ball and draw fouls. On defense, his impact is increasing, using his size and reach. Banchero is a fierce competitor, bringing energy to both sides of the pitch. He continues to work on his fitness and defense to maximize his NBA potential.
Paolo Banchero in NBA 2K
Paolo Banchero enjoyed a rapid ascent in NBA 2K. His rating jumped from 76 in NBA 2K23 to 87 in NBA 2K24. With a “Playmaking 3-Level Threat” profile, he stands out. He has 23 badges, including 3 gold ones. His strong point is his outside shooting. With a close-range score of 84, Banchero is effective close to the basket. His three-point shot, rated at 81, makes him dangerous from afar. This remarkable development underlines his significant impact on the court. Banchero is a key player to watch in NBA 2K.
Paolo Banchero NBA jersey (Orlando Magic)
Paolo Banchero’s official NBA jersey is in stock on the NBA Store. It is available in three different colors.
Paolo Banchero’s salary
In 2024, Paolo Banchero earns $11,608,080 with the Orlando Magic. He is expected to earn $12,160,800 in 2025 and then $19,935,199 in 2026.