WATCH: Duke superstar Paolo Banchero announces decision on NBA Draft
Duke forward Paolo Banchero has declared for the NBA Draft, he announced Wednesday via Twitter. In a video, the freshman phenom reflected on his one year with the Blue Devils before finally addressing his future with the team.
A projected top five pick, Banchero came to Duke as the No. 1 power forward and No. 3 overall prospect in the 2021 class according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average. He lived up to the hype, averaging 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists on 47.8% shooting. With him leading the way, the Blue Devils advanced to the Final Four, where they lost to rival North Carolina.
“Man, what a season,” Banchero began in his announcement. “Playing on some of the biggest stages in front of you guys, the best fans in the world with my brothers. I couldn’t ask for anything more. It was really a blessing. I’ve got so much to be thankful for, firstly my mom and my dad always being there for me and supporting dreams that I had growing up. Next, my coaches. Coach (Jon) Scheyer, (Chris Carrawell), I appreciate you being there all year, pushing me to be my best. You guys became big brothers to me and I will cherish that forever.”
Banchero had the honor of being a part of coach Mike Krzyzewski’s final season with Duke this past season. In helping lead the Blue Devils to the Final Four, he became a part of history as Krzyzewski surpassed John Wooden for the most Final Four appearances of any coach in college basketball history. Even though the season ended two games shy of a national title, Banchero said it was an amazing opportunity to be around a legend.
“Coach K, it was an honor to be a part of your final season,” the forward said. “Thank you for pushing me every single day and expecting nothing but the best out of me. Thank you to my teammates, my brothers. You guys made this experience better than I could ever imagine. Playing with you guys was an honor. …Being with you guys since June, we’ve grown so close, played on some of the biggest stages and went to war with you guys. We hung two banners, won championships, laughed with you guys, cried with you guys. You guys will forever be my brothers.
“It has always been a dream of mine to play at Duke and it has always been a dream of mine to play in the NBA. Duke has prepared me for that on and off the court. I am excited to announce that I will be entering my name in the 2022 NBA Draft. It has been a great journey, and I’m blessed to be a part of the brotherhood for life.”
Paolo Banchero will now wait to hear his name called when 2022 NBA Draft takes place on June 23 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.