Paolo Banchero of Duke is one of college basketball's biggest stars this season and a lock for the lottery in June's NBA Draft. But as a freshman in high school, it wasn't certain that hoops was his future.
Banchero was highly-touted quarterback entering
O'Dea (Seattle), a perennial powerhouse in both football and basketball in Washington. His gridiron career ended up being short-lived but probably memorable as the Fighting Irish won the state title in 2017. See his highlights in the video above.
Seemingly growing into his current 6-foot-10, 250-pound frame as the season progressed, Banchero threw for 191 yards and accounted for four touchdowns in limited duty.
Establishing himself as one of the top basketball prospects in the country, Banchero focused strictly on hoops after his freshman year. Despite having his final two seasons disrupted by the pandemic, he was named MaxPreps National Junior of the Year in 2019-20 after putting up over 22 points and 11 rebounds per game.
Banchero and Duke take on Texas Tech in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday night.
Paolo Banchero handing off during the 2017 Class 3A state championship game, an O'Dea win over Metro League rival Rainier Beach.
Photo by Vince Miller
