The Importance of Paolo Banchero

Photo: Nick Koza

Our own recruiting expert Jack Pilgrim reported in his Insider Notes last night that there is starting to be some speculation that 2021 5* Power Forward Paolo Banchero is more opening to leaving the Pacific Northwest than originally thought.  The 6’9″ 235 pound Seattle native recently announced his official visit lineup, with his trip to Lexington coming around Big Blue Madness October 11-13th.  Banchero would give the Wildcats a type of player that has been very successful under Coach Calipari, but one we have rarely seen in Rupp Arena.

With his mixture of crafty back to the basket moves, along with a good perimeter face-up game, Banchero reminds me of former ‘Cat Trey Lyles.  He is a good mid-range shooter and is great at taking defenders off the dribble from the high post area.  Banchero is also a great passer with some of the best court vision of any front court player in his class.  Also a great rebounder with strength, Paolo would be a traditional 4-man that could be physical enough to slide over and play at the 5 as well.

When Kentucky has had players with the skill set of Paolo it allows for more creativity with lineup structure.  As we did with Trey Lyles in 2014-2015, Banchero could potentially play the 3 in ultra big lineups (especially if he continues to improve his perimeter stroke) and also the 5 in more of a small-ball lineup.  Banchero also projects as a glass cleaning rebounder which is helpful for potentially playing the 5 with smaller teammates surrounding him.

As Jack also mentioned in his article, there is still some speculation about whether Banchero will end up reclassifying to the 2020.  However, regardless of when he would potentially arrive in Lexington, I think he will be one of the most important targets for Coach Calipari and his staff.  His front court versatility and strength would give us a type of player like Sophomore P.J. Washington or Lyles from the 38-1 Final 4 team.  

Watch him work: