Paolo Banchero is an Italian-American professional basketball player who was born on November 12, 2002, in Seattle, Washington, USA. He plays in the NBA as a power forward for the Orlando Magic. He is 6’10’’ and is known for his versatility and scoring ability.
He played collegiate basketball for the Dukes Blue Devils, where he was adjudged Rookie Player of the Year, for the Atlantic coast conference. He averaged 17.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, and was named ACC Player of the Year, which got him a 4-year contract with the Orlando Magic worth $50,158,769 in 2022.
He was chosen by the Orlando Magic as the first overall pick after he declared himself for the 2022 NBA draft following his freshman year. He scored 20 points 40 times and 30 points 6 times and won NBA Rookie of the Year and won the NBA All-Rookie Team honors for his excellent performance in 2023. He won the NBA Rookie of the Year, claiming 98 out of 100 first-place votes and 494 out of 500 points.
Banchero averaged 23.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3 assists in the two games against the Golden States Warriors, playing a huge role in the Orlando Magic’s victory in both games. His average for the current season was 20 points, 3.7 assists, and 6.9 rebounds. He became the third NBA Rookie of the Year after Shaquille O’Neal and Mike Miller. He put up 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in an NBA debut and became the second player after LeBron James to do so.
Meet Paolo Banchero’s parents
Paolo was born to Rhonda Smith and Mario Banchero. Paolo comes from a family with a strong athletic background - both his father and mother have represented their college teams in football and basketball, respectively, for Washington.
Who is Paolo Banchero’s Father?
Paolo is Italian from the paternal side. His father, Mario Banchero, and his uncle played college football for Washington. His father met his mother when they were both studying at the University of Washington. Paolo received Italian citizenship because of his paternal ancestry.
Who is Paolo Banchero’s Mother?
Paolo’s Mother Rhonda is of African-American descent. Her name was Rhonda Smith and was changed to Rhonda Smith Banchero after she married Paolo’s father. She was the all-time scoring leader with 2948 points in college basketball for the Washington Huskies when she graduated. She became Husky Hall of Fame in 2004. She was even selected in the 2000 WNBA draft and played professionally in the American basketball league and overseas before transitioning to coaching at Holy Names Academy.
What nationality are Paolo Banchero’s parents?
Paolo’s father, Mario Banchero, is of Italian descent and his mother is of African-American descent. Both have American nationality and were born and raised in Seattle, USA.
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FAQs
A. He is 20 years and 8 months of age.
A. He is of Italian descent on his father’s side and African-American descent on his mother’s side.
A. Paolo wears Jordan shoes.
A. Banchero’s father is of Italian descent, and because of this, Banchero got citizenship in Italy in 2020. He already had US citizenship, which made him eligible to either play for Italy or the USA, but Paolo opted to play for the USA.
