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 for the Duke Blue Devils, where he was named the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2022. Following his freshman season, Banchero declared for the 2022 NBA draft 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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2000: Rhonda Smith Drafted to WNBA

In 2000, Rhonda Smith, Paolo Banchero's mother, was a third-round selection in the WNBA draft.

November 12, 2002: Paolo Banchero's Birth

On November 12, 2002, Paolo Napoleon James Banchero was born.

Others born on this day/year

February 2020: Received Italian Citizenship

In February 2020, Paolo 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 Squad

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

November 14, 2021: Charged with Aiding and Abetting DUI

On November 14, 2021, Paolo 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, Paolo Banchero registered 28 points and 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 a 84–81 win against Gonzaga.

November 29, 2021: Named ACC Freshman of the Week

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 put up 23 points in a 76–65 victory over Virginia Tech.

2021: Five-Star Recruit

In 2021, Paolo 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, 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 a 88–73 win over NC State.

January 17, 2022: Named ACC Freshman of the Week

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: Named Third-Team 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, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.

May 8, 2022: Miami Grand Prix Interview Gaffe

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.

July 29, 2022: Charges Dropped

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

October 3, 2022: Preseason Debut

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

2022: Eligible to Play for Italy

In 2022, Banchero was eligible to play for the Italy national team and indicated his willingness to represent Italy in international competitions.

2022: Named ACC Rookie of the Year

In 2022, Paolo Banchero was named the Rookie of the Year of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). He also declared for the 2022 NBA draft.

June 2023: Opted to Play for the U.S. National Team

In June 2023, Paolo Banchero opted to play for the 2023 U.S. national team at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, leading to accusations of "betrayal" from the Italian Basketball Federation.