History of Paolo Banchero in Timeline

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 earned the title of ACC Rookie of the Year in 2022. Banchero declared for the 2022 NBA draft after one season with the Blue Devils and was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic. He continued his success in the NBA, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2023.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

August 20, 2020: Banchero commits to Duke

On August 20, 2020, Paolo Banchero committed to playing college basketball for Duke University, despite predictions from recruiting analysts that he would commit to Washington.

November 14, 2021: Charged with aiding and abetting DUI

On the morning of November 14, 2021, Paolo Banchero was charged with aiding and abetting DUI after Duke teammate Michael Savarino, grandson of coach Mike Krzyzewski, was arrested on DUI charges.

November 23, 2021: Victory against The Citadel

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

November 27, 2021: Victory against Gonzaga

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

November 29, 2021: 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, Paolo Banchero scored 23 points in a 76–65 victory over Virginia Tech.

January 12, 2022: Victory against Wake Forest

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

January 15, 2022: Victory over NC State

On January 15, 2022, Paolo 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: Victory against Boston College

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

March 15, 2022: All-American

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

April 20, 2022: Declared for NBA draft

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

May 8, 2022: Mistaken Identity at Miami Grand Prix

On May 8, 2022, Paolo 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.

October 3, 2022: Preseason debut with the Orlando Magic

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

June 2023: Joins U.S. national team

In June 2023, Paolo Banchero decided 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 the Utah Jazz

On November 2, 2023, Paolo Banchero scored 30 points and made a game-winning layup in a 115–113 win over the Utah Jazz.

January 3, 2024: Career high points

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

February 1, 2024: Named to All-Star Game

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

October 23, 2024: Season-opening game

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

January 10, 2025: Returns from oblique injury

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