Sweet Sixteen: 3 key prospects the Orlando Magic should be watching

Paolo Banchero

Duke University

6’10 250 lbs Freshman

Next Game: March 24 vs. Texas Tech @ 9:39 pm EST (CBS)

Almost every 5-star high school product that attends a blue blood school will garner loads of national media attention. Schools like Duke, North Carolina, Kansas and Kentucky play on nationally televised schedules, where the strengths and weaknesses are on the display more often than their respective draft classmates. The same was true for Duke Blue Devils star freshman Paolo Banchero.

Banchero’s willingness to find open shots at any level of the floor is what has NBA scouts raving about the 19-year-old forward. Under the wing of coaching legend Mike Krzyzewski, Paolo Banchero has shown poise in big time games to play under control and get to his spots on the floor.

Banchero has shown solid footwork and body control for a player with his size. He has thrived on his effectiveness of facing up slower defenders, blowing by them, and finishing with a slew of moves around the rim.

Whether its rising above the rim, getting into the defenders chest and drawing foul calls, or using his go to euro-step, Banchero generally finds an open window around the basket and finishes the play.

However, the comparisons for Banchero have been all over the place. From a taller and bigger Brandon Roy. A better shooting Julius Randle. Blake Griffin without the leaping ability. Even being compared to Chris Webber.

Banchero’s ceiling is sky-high, but the certainty around his game is anything, but certain.

However, in my opinion, Banchero is the most well-rounded and sure product in this year’s NBA Draft. With no definitive weakness in his game, Banchero has the size, body frame, ball handle, soft touch, and defensive prowess to become a star at the NBA level.

With Banchero, the Magic can bring in another forward to share minutes with Franz Wagner and Jonathan Isaac. This would be a key step in the right direction for Orlando.