A 6’10” forward who attended O’Dea High School, Paolo Banchero committed to Duke as the second-ranked prospect in the country. The 19-year-old only advanced his draft stock during his one-year Blue Devil stint and is now prepping for the draft. Leading the Blue Devils’ scoring department (17.2) as well as rebounds per game (7.8), Banchero’s only competition for the draft is Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith. The Seattle native has always been a highly recruited ballplayer and is an assured top-three pick.
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Player Bio
Name: Paolo Banchero
Jersey: No. 5
School: Duke
Class: Freshman
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 250 lbs
Strengths
Arguably the best prospect in the draft, Banchero is a freakish athlete. He takes advantage of his broad 6’10” frame and thrives in several aspects of the game. A lethal shooter from beyond the arc which pairs well with his overpowering presence in the paint. Shooting 33 percent from the arc as a Blue Devil, defenders should be watchful of Banchero’s abilities. His footwork is impressive and he uses his strength and size to blow by defenders. His court vision is above average, and while he only dished out 3.2 assists per game, it is most definitely an upside he possesses. It is rare to find a player who can contribute to every aspect of the game and Banchero has yet to prove otherwise.
Weaknesses
A player of Banchero’s caliber does not have too many gaps in their game. Although if anything would be scrutinized, it would be his below-average defensive instincts. Averaging just 0.9 blocks per game and lacking quickness on the perimeter, it would be nice to see some improvement. When the transition to the NBA is made, Banchero will be treated as more of a forward/center and needs to refine his defensive abilities. Additionally, his free throw routine is poor as he shot just 72.9 percent from the line at Duke.
Summary
It would not be a surprise if Banchero receives a heavy workload in his rookie season. His athletic tendencies and ability to contribute in every facet of the game are an eye-opener to NBA teams. He may have just one season of college ball on his back, however, Banchero is NBA-ready. His versatility on the offensive end and abilities on and off the ball is something to take note of. While he may need to edge out his game in a few categories, he is no less than a top-three pick. Fans can only wait and see where Banchero is taken as Thursday’s big event is just days away.
Projected Draft Range: Top Three
Likely Landing Spot: Oklahoma City Thunder
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