Paolo Banchero is an American professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic. He was a standout college player at Duke, earning ACC Rookie of the Year honors in 2022. After one year of college, he was drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2022 NBA draft. He went on to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2023.
2000: Rhonda Smith is Drafted to the WNBA
Paolo Banchero's mother, Rhonda (née Smith), was a third-round selection in the 2000 WNBA draft.
November 12, 2002: Paolo Banchero is Born
Paolo Napoleon James Banchero was born on November 12, 2002.
February 2020: Obtaining Italian Citizenship
In February 2020, Paolo Banchero obtained Italian citizenship through his father's ancestry.
August 20, 2020: Banchero Commits to Duke
On August 20, 2020, Paolo Banchero committed to playing college basketball for Duke University.
November 2020: Banchero Selected to Italian National Team
In November 2020, Paolo Banchero was selected to the Italian national team's 24-man squad for the EuroBasket 2022 qualification games.
November 14, 2021: Charged with Aiding and Abetting DUI
On November 14, 2021, Paolo Banchero was charged with aiding and abetting DUI after his Duke teammate, Michael Savarino, was arrested for DUI.
November 23, 2021: Banchero Scores 28 Points Against The Citadel
On November 23, 2021, Paolo Banchero scored 28 points and 8 rebounds in a 107–81 victory against the Citadel.
November 27, 2021: Banchero Leads Duke to Victory over Gonzaga
On November 27, 2021, Paolo Banchero scored 21 points and 5 rebounds in a 84-81 win against Gonzaga.
November 29, 2021: Banchero is 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: Banchero Scores 23 Points Against Virginia Tech
On December 23, 2021, Paolo Banchero put up 23 points in a 76-65 victory over Virginia Tech.
2021: Banchero is a Top Recruit
Paolo Banchero was one of the top players in the 2021 recruiting class.
January 12, 2022: Banchero Scores 24 Points Against Wake Forest
On January 12, 2022, Paolo Banchero scored 24 points and 5 rebounds in a 76-64 victory against Wake Forest.
January 15, 2022: Banchero Tallies 21 Points and 8 Rebounds Against 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: Banchero Wins ACC Freshman of the Week Honors
On January 17, 2022, Paolo Banchero earned ACC Freshman of the week honors.
February 12, 2022: Banchero Notches Double-Double in Win Against Boston College
On February 12, 2022, Paolo Banchero scored 16 points and 14 rebounds in a 72-61 win against Boston College.
March 15, 2022: Banchero Named Third Team All-American
On March 15, 2022, Paolo Banchero was named a Third Team All-American.
April 20, 2022: Banchero Declares for the 2022 NBA Draft
On April 20, 2022, Paolo Banchero declared for the 2022 NBA draft, forgoing 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, where he was mistakenly interviewed by Sky Sports announcer Martin Brundle, who believed he was Patrick Mahomes.
July 29, 2022: Charges Dropped
On July 29, 2022, the charges against Paolo Banchero for aiding and abetting DUI were dropped after Michael Savarino pleaded guilty to DUI.
October 3, 2022: Banchero Makes 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: Banchero Could Have Played for Italy in the EuroBasket
Paolo Banchero was eligible to play for Italy in the EuroBasket 2022 games.
2022: Banchero Wins ACC Rookie of the Year
In 2022, Paolo Banchero was named the Rookie of the Year of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
June 2023: Banchero Opts to Play for Team USA
In June 2023, Paolo Banchero opted to play for the 2023 U.S. national team at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
November 2, 2023: Banchero Scores 30 Points, Game-Winning Layup Against the Utah Jazz
On November 2, 2023, Paolo Banchero put up 30 points alongside a game-winning layup in a 115–113 win over the Utah Jazz.
2023: Banchero Wins NBA Rookie of the Year
Paolo Banchero was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2023.
January 3, 2024: Banchero Scores Career-High 43 Points Against the Sacramento Kings
On January 3, 2024, Paolo Banchero scored a career-high 43 points in a 138–135 double overtime loss against the Sacramento Kings.
February 1, 2024: Banchero Named to His First Career All-Star Game
On February 1, 2024, Paolo Banchero was named to his first career All-Star Game as an Eastern Conference reserve.