The projected 2021-22 Duke basketball players: Paolo Banchero
- Peak composite ranking for Paolo Banchero in high school: No. 3
- Current status: Verbally committed in August to the Blue Devils
- In 2021-22: Would be a Duke basketball freshman
- Date of birth: Nov. 12, 2002
Speaking of a guy who could line up at center, let’s talk for a moment about the Blue Devils’ latest five-star commit, O’Dea (Wash.) power forward Paolo Banchero. Not only should the 6-foot-9, 235-pound bruiser be able to hold his own — and then some — against ACC big men as a Duke freshman, but he also has the necessary quickness and smooth jumper to play a wing-like role.
In what will almost surely be his lone season in college before becoming a high lottery pick, Banchero is all but certain to start the year on every applicable preseason watchlist. Right now, though, he’s still trying to help Mike Krzyzewski and his staff piece together the rest of the actual 2021-22 roster by actively recruiting two more five-stars to come here on this predicted roster…