Paolo Banchero opens up on Wendell Carter Jr., Duke connection on Magic

When the Orlando Magic selected Paolo Banchero No. 1 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, they got another former Duke star onto the roster. Now, he’ll look to form a strong frontcourt pairing with Wendell Carter Jr.

Carter arrived in Orlando during the 2020-21 season from the Chicago Bulls as part of the Nikola Vucevic trade. Last year, he put up some good numbers for Orlando, which found itself with the No. 1 overall selection in the draft after finishing last in the Eastern Conference.

Now, Banchero is getting ready to join forces with Carter — and there’s something special about playing with someone who went to the same school.

“Definitely kind of gives you a little bit of ease just because you know they’ve got your back,” Banchero said. “Wendell being part of the brotherhood, I know he’s a solid guy. I’ve talked to him in the past. He’s a great guy overall. He has a great reputation at Duke and he has a great reputation here. I can’t wait to get on the court with him and the rest of the guys.”

Paolo Banchero details how Coach K prepared him for life in the NBA while at Duke

Paolo Banchero became the fifth player coached by Mike Krzyzewski to be drafted No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft last week, and the now-retired former Duke head coach made sure to leave his final top prospect with some lasting advice.

“There’s no not going to be any handouts, no matter what you’ve done in the past or what your reputation is,” Banchero said of Coach K’s advice about life in the NBA. “at Duke, I had to earn everything it wasn’t handed anything.

“Just heading into this new stage … no matter what pick you are, you’ve gotta come in and and take what you want – you’re not going to be handed anything at this level. That’s probably the best advice I’ve been given.”