Orlando’s magic star Paolo Banchelo shot ESPN for his recruitment rankings.
Orlando’s magic has been home to talented superstars such as Shaquille O’Neal, Dwight Howard and Penny Hardaway for many years.
However, the organization has been escorting a new era thanks to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
That pick? It’s nothing more than a very talented forward Paolo Bancello. Banchelo shows rapid growth, but he was not expected to become the top pick in the draft class.
For many years, ESPN has released top 100 rankings as new class recruits begin their NCAA journey following their high school careers.
Media House did the same when Bunchelo committed to the Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball program. Despite averaging 22.6 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.6 blocks per game in high school, Buncello ranked fourth in his class.
He also won the honor of being named Gatorade Player of the Year. That being said, Banchelo recently threw a shade at ESPN for his rankings after the highlight reel of his high school career went viral on the X.
“And ESPN ranked fourth in my class,” Banchero tweeted.
Bunchelo ranked behind Chetholmglen, Jaden Hardy and Emoni Bates as the future Magic Star’s high school career was shortened due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
After being selected as the No. 1 overall pick, Banchero scored a solid rookie year, averaging 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 games of assist.
6’10” Power Forward won NBA Rookie of the Year honors with his stats. In his sophomore season, Banchelo’s numbers improved to 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game.
Banchelo got off to a great start to the 2024-25 NBA season, but he survived injuries and played in just 46 matchups.
However, in these limited games, Bancello further flaunted his growth as a player, gaining 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game.
Banchelo’s rise in stardom meant consecutive NBA playoff appearances despite being eliminated in the first round.