Duke star Paolo Banchero, a potential #1 overall pick, declared for the 2022 NBA Draft on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-10 freshman forward from Seattle averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 39 starts with the Blue Devils (32-7) this season.
The consensus All-American and ACC Rookie of the Year thanked family, coaches and teammates and announced his widely expected decision to turn pro with a video message on social media.
“What’s up, Duke fans,” Banchero said. “… It has always been a dream of mine to play at Duke and it has always been a dream of mine to play in the NBA. Duke has prepared me for that on and off the court. I’m excited to announce that I will be entering my name into the 2022 NBA Draft. It has been a great journey and I’m blessed to be part of the brotherhood for life.”
Duke advanced to the Final Four in the 2022 NCAA Tournament in coach Mike Krzyzewski’s final season but lost to rival North Carolina. Banchero had 20 points and 10 rebounds against the Tar Heels for his 12th double-double.
“Paolo had a truly incredible season and is absolutely ready to attack the next phase of his career,” Coach K said in a statement posted to Twitter. “He put up remarkable numbers and won multiple awards, but he always put the team first. Paolo is a great leader in that regard and someone all of our players admired, even though he was just a freshman.
“He is so dynamic and explosive and a willing passer with great court vision — a model player in today’s NBA game. He did whatever we asked at a very high level. I loved having him and his family in our program and wish him all the best as his professional career begins.”
Banchero and Gonzaga freshman center Chet Holmgren are widely considered the top two prospects in the 2022 draft class. The NBA Draft is on June 23 in Brooklyn.
