Paolo Banchero throws shade at ESPN after high school career video goes viral
The Orlando Magic have been home to some talented superstars such as Shaquille O’Neal, Dwight Howard, and Penny Hardaway over the years.
However, the organization has ushered in a new era, thanks to their No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
That pick? It’s none other than immensely talented forward Paolo Banchero. While Banchero has shown rapid growth, he wasn’t expected to be the top pick in his draft class.
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images
For years, ESPN has released their top 100 rankings when a new class of recruits begins their NCAA journey following their high school career.
The media house did the same when Banchero 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, Banchero was ranked fourth in his class.
He also earned the honor of being named the Gatorade Player of the Year. With that said, Banchero recently threw shade at ESPN for his ranking after a highlight reel of his high school career went viral on X.
“And ESPN had me ranked 4th in my class,” Banchero tweeted.
Banchero was ranked behind Chet Holmgren, Jaden Hardy, and Emoni Bates as the future Magic star’s high school career was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Paolo Banchero in high school pic.twitter.com/M0uM7RDYD4
— Fastbreak Hoops (@FastbreakHoops5) May 16, 2025
After being selected as the No. 1 overall pick, Banchero had a solid rookie year, averaging 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
The 6’10” power forward earned NBA Rookie of the Year honors for his stats. In his sophomore season, Banchero’s numbers improved to 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game as he also earned his first-ever NBA All-Star game appearance.
Banchero had a terrific start to the 2024-25 NBA season, but he battled through injuries and played in just 46 matchups.
However, in those limited games, Banchero further flaunted his growth as a player and put up 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.
Banchero’s rise to stardom has also meant back-to-back NBA playoff appearances, albeit getting eliminated in the first round both times.
