The 2022 NBA Draft class had a few players who were worthy of being the first pick. That included Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr., and Paolo Banchero, the talented forward from Duke. When the time came for the Orlando Magic to make their selection, Commissioner Adam Silver called out Banchero’s name. His rise to NBA stardom began from that very moment.
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Banchero had already made a huge name for himself playing for the Duke Blue Devils, a program renowned for producing future stars. The forward developed a strong loyalty to the Blue Devils and their legendary coach, Mike Krzyzewski — also known as ‘Coach K’.
Traditionally, Duke shares a fierce rivalry with the University of North Carolina, another prestigious institution known for being a nursery for NBA greats. Naturally, like any true-blooded Duke player, Banchero had a deep sense of rivalry against UNC. But when Michael Jordan reached out to him, he had no hesitation in tossing the rivalry out the window.
As one of the most influential basketball players of all time, Jordan has been a hero to many. Even new generation stars like Banchero look up to him — such is his transgenerational clout. So, when it came time to choose between an Adidas and a Jordan contract, Banchero went with MJ’s brand despite its affiliation with a rival college.
Jordan was a UNC legend and played for the team from 1981 to 1984. He won an NCAA title with the Tar Heels in 1982 and was named the NCAA College Player of the Year in 1983.
And for Banchero, a Jordan shoe deal mattered more than a college rivalry, especially as he stood on the cusp of entering the biggest basketball league in the world. “That was easy,” Banchero said on The Pivot Podcast about ‘cutting ties with Duke’. “When it was MJ, it was easy.”
Banchero then revealed how his friend, Jamal Crawford, called him out of the blue one fine day to inform him that ‘The Black Cat’, a.k.a. Jordan, reached out to talk about signing him. Crawford revealed that MJ “really wanted you to be a part of Jordan.”
“I was like, damn, for real? And he said, ‘He loves your game, loves about you, the right stuff’. He said, We [have] gotta get you to the brand. Like sh*t, that’s all you had to say, I think I signed with Jordan… I think right after Summer League,” recalled Banchero.
With it, the Duke alum joined an elite group of NBA players tied to the six-time champion’s iconic shoe brand. The list includes Luka Doncic, Zion Williamson, and Jayson Tatum. Banchero, in fact, shares a strong relationship with Tatum.
Banchero’s bond with Tatum
Tatum, a fellow Duke alum, played the role of a mentor in Banchero’s early NBA journey. The Boston Celtics star trained with him during the off-season. But when they met in the playoffs earlier this year, that friendship took a back seat.
Tatum and the Celtics didn’t have to break much of a sweat to get past the Magic. But that wasn’t due to any lack of effort from Banchero — he held his own. The Seattle-born forward showcased his offensive firepower, averaging 29 points and 4 assists, even though Orlando bowed out in five games.
After the series, Tatum had nothing but praise for Banchero and his growth. “I couldn’t be happier for him and the player he’s become,” he said.
Banchero was also asked about facing off against his friend and mentor. Reflecting on their history, he said, “I’ve known Jayson since I was getting into college. I see him every summer. He’s someone I’m very familiar with — one of the guys I go to for advice.”
That said, Banchero acknowledged that Tatum is now also a rival. He believes the best way to show respect is by bringing his A-game against him on the court. And with a stronger Magic team around him, Banchero just might do that in the coming seasons.
