Paolo Banchero reveals importance of family throughout his career

Duke star Paolo Banchero has always been a star when he steps on the basketball court, but will lean on his unique family experience to guide him through the new fame as an NBA player. By leaning on those around him, the five-star forward hopes to shut down the outside noise.

During an appearance at the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery on Tuesday night, Paolo Banchero discussed how his family will continue to guide him threw every situation as those around him go from “friend” to “employee.”

“Really my mom and my dad, they’ve been there for me the whole way growing up,” said Banchero. “My mom bring a professional basketball player and a coach, she showed me the ropes from a real young age. So I don’t see why I would go any different now that I’ve made it to the NBA. I’m going to keep listening to her, keep listening to my dad. They’ll guide me in the right direction for sure.”

Banchero’s mom, Rhonda, played basketball at Washington before spending seven seasons as a professional player. She went No. 46 overall in the third round of the 2000 WNBA Draft.

Paolo Banchero on draft stock

Paolo Banchero also broke down why he believes he should become the top pick in the class, an honor which would now place him on the Orlando Magic roster.

“I feel like I’m the No. 1 pick in the draft, just because I feel like I’m the best overall player,” said Banchero. “I feel like I check all the boxes. Whether that’s being a great teammate, being able to be the star player, or doing whatever the coach needs.

“I’ve been a winner my whole life, won everywhere I went. And when I get to the NBA that’s going to be the same goal for me. So just combining all those things and knowing what I have to work on to be better is the formula for me.”

During his one season at Duke, Paolo Banchero played a key role in leading Mike Krzyzewski’s final team to the Final Four before a loss against ACC rival North Carolina. After starting the season with hydration issues which made national headlines, he worked his way into shape and put any questions behind him down the stretch by playing long stints in every meaningful game.

In 39 games, Banchero averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists, also adding 1.1 steals and 0.9 blocks. He did so on 47.8 precent shooting from the field and 33.8 percent shooting from the 3-point line.