History of Paolo Banchero in Timeline

Paolo Banchero is an Italian-American professional basketball player currently playing for the Orlando Magic in the NBA. He played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils, where he was named ACC Rookie of the Year in 2022. Banchero was selected as the first overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. In 2023, he was named the NBA Rookie of the Year, solidifying his early impact in the league.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2000: Mother Drafted into WNBA

In 2000, Banchero's mother was a third-round selection in the WNBA draft and played professionally in the American Basketball League and overseas.

November 12, 2002: Paolo Banchero's Birth

On November 12, 2002, Paolo Napoleon James Banchero was born. He is an Italian-American professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

February 2020: Received Italian Citizenship

In February 2020, Banchero received Italian citizenship due to his paternal ancestry.

August 20, 2020: Commitment to Duke

On August 20, 2020, Paolo Banchero committed to playing college basketball for Duke, despite predictions he would choose Washington.

November 2020: Selection to Italy's EuroBasket Squad

In November 2020, Banchero was selected to Italy's 24-man squad for the EuroBasket 2022 qualification games, though he did not play.

November 14, 2021: Charged with Aiding and Abetting DUI

On November 14, 2021, Banchero was charged with aiding and abetting DUI after a Duke teammate was arrested on DUI charges.

November 23, 2021: Victory against The Citadel

On November 23, 2021, Banchero scored 28 points and secured 8 rebounds in a 107–81 victory against The Citadel.

November 27, 2021: Win against Gonzaga

On November 27, 2021, Banchero scored 21 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in a 84–81 win against Gonzaga.

November 29, 2021: Second ACC Freshman of the Week Honor

On November 29, 2021, Paolo Banchero was named ACC freshman of the week for the second time.

December 23, 2021: Victory Over Virginia Tech

On December 23, 2021, Banchero scored 23 points in a 76–65 victory over Virginia Tech.

2021: Five-Star Recruit

In 2021, Banchero was recognized as a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top players in his class.

January 12, 2022: Victory Against Wake Forest

On January 12, 2022, Banchero registered 24 points and 5 rebounds in a 76–64 victory against Wake Forest.

January 15, 2022: Win Over NC State

On January 15, 2022, Banchero tallied 21 points and 8 rebounds in an 88–73 win over NC State.

January 17, 2022: ACC Freshman of the Week Honor

On January 17, 2022, Paolo Banchero earned ACC freshman of the week honors.

February 12, 2022: Win Against Boston College

On February 12, 2022, Banchero scored 16 points and snagged 14 rebounds in a 72–61 win against Boston College.

March 15, 2022: Third-Team All-American

On March 15, 2022, Banchero was named a third-team All-American.

April 20, 2022: Declared for 2022 NBA Draft

On April 20, 2022, Banchero declared for the 2022 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.

May 8, 2022: Miami Grand Prix Appearance

On May 8, 2022, Banchero attended the Miami Grand Prix and was mistakenly interviewed on live television as Patrick Mahomes.

July 29, 2022: Charges Dropped

On July 29, 2022, the charges against Banchero for aiding and abetting DUI were dropped after his teammate pled guilty.

October 3, 2022: Preseason Debut

On October 3, 2022, Banchero made his preseason debut, putting up eight points, two rebounds and one assist in a 109–97 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

2022: ACC Rookie of the Year

In 2022, Banchero was named the Rookie of the Year of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

2022: EuroBasket 2022 Qualification Games Selection

In 2022, Banchero was selected to Italy's 24-man squad for the EuroBasket 2022 qualification games, however, he did not participate.

June 2023: Commitment to US National Team

In June 2023, Banchero opted to play for the 2023 U.S. national team at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, citing his mother's history with Team USA.

November 2, 2023: Game-Winning Layup Against Utah Jazz

On November 2, 2023, Banchero put up 30 points alongside a game-winning layup in a 115–113 win over the Utah Jazz.

2023: NBA Rookie of the Year

In 2023, Banchero was named the NBA Rookie of the Year.

January 3, 2024: Career-High 43 Points

On January 3, 2024, Banchero scored a then career-high 43 points in a 138–135 double-overtime loss against the Sacramento Kings.

February 1, 2024: First All-Star Game Selection

On February 1, 2024, Banchero was named to his first career All-Star Game as an Eastern Conference reserve.

October 23, 2024: Season-Opening Performance

On October 23, 2024, in the Magic's season-opening game, Banchero put up 33 points and 11 rebounds in a 116–97 win over the Miami Heat.

January 10, 2025: Return after Injury

On January 10, 2025, Banchero returned after suffering a torn oblique, posting 34 points and seven rebounds in a 109–106 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks.