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 the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2022. He declared for the 2022 NBA draft after his freshman season and was selected as the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic. Banchero was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2023.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2000: Mother's WNBA Draft

In 2000, Banchero's mother, Rhonda (née Smith), 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: Granted 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 University.

November 2020: Selection for Italy 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 the morning of 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 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, Banchero scored 21 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in an 84–81 win against Gonzaga.

November 29, 2021: 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: Five-Star Recruit

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: Victory over NC State

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

January 17, 2022: ACC freshman of the week

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

February 12, 2022: Victory 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: NBA draft declaration

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

May 8, 2022: Miami Grand Prix appearance

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.

July 29, 2022: DUI charges dropped

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

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: Rookie of the Year and NBA draft

In 2022, Banchero was named the Rookie of the Year of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and he declared for the 2022 NBA draft, where he was selected with the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic.