Duke basketball: Paolo Banchero has transformed into sheer giant

The next Duke basketball starting frontcourt looks fearsome beyond measure.

According to the tweet down below on Tuesday from NBA Draft analyst Jonathan Givony of ESPN, one of the next probable Duke basketball one-and-dones has sprouted a couple of inches within the past year or so while packing on some extra muscle.

ALSO READ: Coach K has to be utterly exhausted

Apparently, O’Dea (Wash.) power forward Paolo Banchero is now a 6-foot-11, 250-pound five-star. Upon first glance, considering his listed measurements have been around 6-foot-9 and 235 pounds for the past year or two, the increases — if accurate — suggest two things:

1. His No. 3 overall ranking on the 247Sports 2021 Composite is two spots too low.
2. He will have no problem whatsoever manning the five-spot when necessary next season.

The scary part is that the McDonald’s All-American’s late growth spurt doesn’t appear to have cost him anything in the speed department. In fact, with what seems to be significant added bulk in his legs, Banchero might just be more explosive than ever before.

Plus, the 18-year-old Seattle native has clearly refined his perimeter skills as well.

His stepback 3-pointer. His splashes from out near Steph Curry range. His point guard mentality. His shake-n-bake moves. His impressive post moves. His lightning first step and thunderous finishes.

With all of the above in his toolbox, it’s now no wonder at all that Givony views Banchero as the No. 1 draft pick for 2022, passing this week’s high-profile Gonzaga commit in Minnehaha (Minn.) center and top overall 2021 prospect Chet Holmgren:

Two giants in one Duke basketball starting lineup?

Assuming Duke basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski doesn’t lose his sanity between now and next season, the starting power forward and center for the 2021-22 Blue Devils have to be Paolo Banchero and Mark Williams, respectively, if the latter doesn’t bolt for the NBA (doesn’t sound like he will, yet it’s worth noting he hasn’t completely shut down the speculation that he might).

ALSO READ: Mark Williams worries fans with notes on social media

Now, keeping in mind the growth and improvement from Banchero detailed above, also remember that the 7-foot, 245-pound Williams averaged 16.7 points, 7.8 boards, 1.7 blocks, and 1.5 steals across the last six games of his freshman campaign while looking at times like the program’s top overall weapon.

Two towers with complementary strengths. Indeed, Paolo Banchero and Mark Williams have a chance to dominate down low for the Blue Devils next season at an epic level, and then perhaps both become lottery picks.