With the first pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic have selected Paolo Banchero, a forward from the University of Duke. Banchero now joins Shaquille O’ Neal (1992) Chris Webber (1993), and Dwight Howard (2004) as the three other players to be taken No. 1 by Orlando. With the ability to choose between Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren, Auburn’s Jabari Smith, or Duke’s Banchero, the Magic opted for Banchero, who possesses one of the most balanced skill sets in this year’s draft class.
Standing at 6’10” and 250 pounds, Banchero impacted the game in a multitude of ways at Duke, averaging 17.1 PPG (Sixth in ACC), 7.8 RPG (Fifth in ACC), 3.2 APG (16th in ACC), 1.1 SPG, and 0.9 BPG (13th in ACC) in 39 collegiate games. In addition to this, Banchero was also a very efficient shooter from the perimeter, as he shot 47.8% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range.
There’s no doubt that Banchero’s frame gave him an undeniable physical presence that allowed him to either dominate as a point forward, or just as a traditional big man. That physical presence has made it a challenge for opposing teams to guard Banchero, as he has an effective post-up and paint game against smaller guards, converting on 52.7% of his two-point attempts. If Banchero is matched up with bigger forwards and centers, then Banchero can knock down shots on the perimeter at a reliable rate.
Despite arriving at Duke as the Blue Devils’ most coveted high school commitment since Zion Williamson in 2018, Banchero fully embraced the lofty expectations and delivered. At just 19 years old, Banchero earned Consensus All-American Second Team Honors, All-ACC First-Team Honors, and the 2021-2022 ACC Freshman of the Year Award. In addition to this, Banchero helped lead Duke to an impressive 32-7 overall record, along with a 16-4 mark in ACC Conference Play.
As a result of Duke’s regular-season success, the Blue Devils earned the No. 2 overall seed in West Region for the 2021-2022 edition of March Madness. Unfortunately, Banchero and the Blue Devils fell short of winning their sixth National Championship, as they lost to the No. 8 seed North Carolina Tar Heels in the Final Four. Now in Orlando, Banchero will attempt to lead the Magic back to the NBA Playoffs through his superb two-way play.
welcome to the O @Pp_doesit 🪄@SociosUSA x #MagicDraft pic.twitter.com/wn8WkC8AtW
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) June 24, 2022