History of Paolo Banchero in Timeline

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Paolo Banchero

Paolo Banchero is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Orlando Magic in the NBA. He played college basketball at Duke University where he was named ACC Rookie of the Year in 2022. He declared for the 2022 NBA draft after one season and was selected first overall by Orlando. In 2023, Banchero was named the NBA Rookie of the Year, solidifying his early impact in the league.

2000: Rhonda Banchero Drafted into the WNBA

In 2000, Banchero's mother, Rhonda Smith, was a third-round selection in the WNBA draft after playing college basketball for Washington Huskies women's basketball.

November 12, 2002: Paolo Banchero's birth

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

Others born on this day/year

February 2020: Received Italian citizenship

In February 2020, Banchero received Italian citizenship because of 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 commit to Washington.

November 2020: Selected for Italy's EuroBasket squad

In November 2020, Banchero was selected to Italy's 24-man squad for the EuroBasket 2022 qualification games, but 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 Duke teammate Michael Savarino was arrested on DUI charges.

November 23, 2021: Victory against The Citadel

On November 23, 2021, Banchero registered 28 points and 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: Named ACC freshman of the week

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

December 23, 2021: Victory over Virginia Tech

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

2021: Top recruit in the 2021 class

In 2021, Banchero was 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: Named ACC freshman of the week

On January 17, 2022, 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: Named a third-team All-American

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

April 20, 2022: Declared for the NBA draft

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

May 8, 2022: Miami Grand Prix interview gaffe

On May 8, 2022, Banchero attended the inaugural Miami Grand Prix in Miami Gardens where he was mistakenly interviewed by Sky Sports announcer Martin Brundle believing he was Patrick Mahomes. The gaffe was caught on live television.

July 29, 2022: Charges Dropped

On July 29, 2022, the charges against Banchero were dropped after Savarino pled guilty to DUI.

October 3, 2022: Preseason debut with the Orlando Magic

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: EuroBasket 2022 Qualification Games

In 2022, Banchero was eligible to play for the Italy national team and was selected to their 24-man squad for the EuroBasket qualification games in November 2020; however, he did not play.

2022: Named ACC Rookie of the Year

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

June 2023: Opted to play for the U.S. national team

In June 2023, Banchero opted to play for the 2023 U.S. national team at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

November 2, 2023: Win over the 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: Named NBA Rookie of the Year

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

January 3, 2024: Career-high 43 points against Sacramento Kings

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: Named to first All-Star Game

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

October 23, 2024: Season-opening win against the Miami Heat

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, posting 34 points and seven rebounds in a 109–106 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks.

July 7, 2025: Signed Contract Extension

On July 7, 2025, Banchero signed a five-year, $239 million contract extension with the Magic.