Paolo Banchero

Updated on 8/27/22.  Written by Alan Lu.
2022 Rankings were finalized on 6/23/22.

Height: 6-10
Weight: 250
College: Duke
Classification: Freshman
Birthdate: 11/12/2002

2022 Top 100 Prospect Rank: 3
Projected Draft Range: Top 5
2022 NBA Draft: Round 1, Pick 1 by the Orlando Magic

Pros:
Good low post scorer
Solid scorer off the dribble
Decent shooter for a big man, has stretch big potential
Excels at scoring on off-ball motion plays
Decent playmaker
Good rebounder
Solid athlete

Cons:
Inconsistent shooter
Can be reluctant to take threes
Not an elite shot blocker
Can tend to be unfocused defensively
Can struggle to defend out on the perimeter

Summary:
Paolo Banchero is a tough, physical combo forward that can score the basketball in a variety of ways, and he is also a very good rebounder.  He also is a surprisingly good passer, and he is a patient player that can rack up assists.  He will need to be a more focused defender in games. Banchero had a very good showing in the Champions Classic as he scored 22 points in his team’s win over Kentucky, and he’s played very well this year.

However, conditioning has been a key issue for him. He’s had cramping issues against Kentucky and Gonzaga, and he really faltered in the second half of his team’s loss to Ohio State. Still, Banchero is a very skilled big man that could be the top pick in the 2022 draft.

Links:
RealGM Profile
NBADraft.Net Profile
247Sports’ Profile
ESPN’s 2022 NBA Mock Draft

Games Scouted:
1/20/20 O’Dea vs. Eastside Catholic
11/9/21 Duke vs. Kentucky
11/26/21 Duke vs. Gonzaga
11/30/21 Duke vs. Ohio State
1/18/22 Duke vs. Florida State
2/5/22 Duke vs. North Carolina
3/26/22 Duke vs. Arkansas
4/2/22 Duke vs. North Carolina

If you use any portion of this material, please credit NBA Scouting Live.