Banchero, Paolo  Duke  6'10" 250 PF frosh. 

Banchero is a 19 year-old prospect with a combination of size and dexterity that is seldom seen. He was the star of a good Duke team with averages of 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. He was named First Team All-ACC. Just okay as a deep shooter, Banchero hit 33.8% of his three-point attempts, and he shot 72.9% from the foul line. His assist-to-turnover ratio is 1.34-to-1. He has "good feet" and he uses the Euro-step, and spin moves effectively. You just don't see guys as big as Banchero be able to create the way he does. He uses his power well. He will finish above the rim and he is excellent in transition. Banchero will get his shots up. That stated, we thought he had the tools to do even more. He often left us "wanting". Banchero finished 8th in the ACC in boxscore plus/minus. He was a plus defender, with a DEFRTG 1.1 points better than the Duke team DEFRTG. Right handed. Banchero was a 2021 McDonald's All-American. His Mom was a WNBA Draft pick that played professionally overseas. ...Banchero will likely be among the first three picks in the Draft. We like him and believe he will be a starting forward in the NBA for many years. Our questions about his deep shooting is why he is a bit lower on our board than others.  

 

Our best advice: in 2009, the 5th pick was Ricky Rubio. We advised, "draft Stephen Curry."

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