2. Duke basketball forward Paolo Banchero
- 17.8 points per game
- 8.0 rebounds per game
- 2.0 assists per game
- 1.5 steals per game
- 0.7 blocks per game
- 1.8 turnovers per game
- 39-for-71 from the field (54.9 percent)
- 5-for-16 beyond the arc (31.3 percent)
- 24-for-28 from the foul line (85.7 percent)
- 27.8 minutes per game
Yes, Paolo Banchero hit a somewhat rough patch for a couple of games, stemming from the distraction that was his charge for aiding and abetting in a DWI. Nevertheless, there’s no doubt the 6-foot-10, 250-pound freshman out of Seattle has lived up to his five-star billing — and then some, when considering his immaculate and all-important free throw percentage.
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Whether it’s leading a fastbreak, draining a three, creating a stepback mid-range jumper, attacking the basket, defending inside and out, or even hitting the deck for loose balls, there’s not much the 19-year-old and projected No. 1 overall draft pick can’t or won’t do. We’ll have to see if that includes beating Gonzaga and his top competition for top-pick status in 7-footer Chet Holmgren.
Grade: 96 (A)