Paolo Banchero: from The Grind Session to the FIBA World Cup

MIAMI (United States) – Paolo Banchero is one of the NBA's top rising stars. The 21-year-old, who plays for the Orlando Magic, won Rookie of the Year in 2023, and in his second season (2023-24) was selected to participate in the NBA All-Star Game.

Banchero, at the time of this publication, is averaging 22.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists to lead the Magic to fourth place in the Eastern Conference, after being left out of the Playoffs last season.

The power forward, born in Seattle, United States, showed his ability to dominate the game since high school. With O'Dea High School he won several individual and team awards, such as State Player of the Year, High School Player of the Year and the Washington State Championship. He was also part of The Grind Session, where he was able to capture even more attention.

“The Grind Session was probably the first place where I got to play high-level basketball, with the ball in my hands and being able to play my game,” Banchero recalled.

After high school, Banchero decided to play in the NCAA with the Duke Blue Devils. He averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists, and was chosen as the best player and rookie in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). That excellent performance catapulted him to be the first pick of the 2023 NBA draft, by the Orlando Magic.

After stellar performances in Orlando, he was called to represent the United States in the 2023 FIBA ​​World Cup, where he was an important part of the team. He averaged 9.3 points and 3.4 rebounds off the bench.

“It was a great feeling to be able to represent my country the United States. When you play with USA on your chest, it means a lot more and I was very lucky to be able to do it,” he said about that experience.

Banchero is a complete player, capable of excelling in various positions and contributing to all aspects of the game. The sky is the limit for this young Grind Session alum.

FIBA