Orlando Magic Coach Mosley on Paolo Banchero: 'Sky's The Limit'
ORLANDO - Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley talked up his star sophomore Paolo Banchero after the forward's stint with Team USA.
"I think the sky is the limit," Mosley said on the HoopsHype Podcast. "(Banchero) being with Team USA and seeing the different aspects of how people adjusted their games to fit in with what was trying to be accomplished. He did that. He’s capable of doing so many things."
Banchero represented Team USA during the 2023 FIBA World Cup, averaging 9.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists for the stars and stripes. The tournament ended in disappointment for Team USA, who failed to medal and lost to Canada in the third place game.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero
USA Today Sports
The 20-year-old forward is coming off of a stellar rookie season in which he averaged 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists on his way to winning Rookie of the Year. He shot 42.7% from the field and 29.8% from deep and received 98 out of a possible 100 first place votes for Rookie of the Year.
It wasn't enough to push the Magic into the play-in, as they finished with a 34-48 record, good enough for 13th in the Eastern Conference. This year, with the additions of Joe Ingles, Anthony Black and Jett Howard, Orlando will be shooting for a play-in spot at a minimum.
Mosley will be coaching his most talented group yet in his third year as head coach. Led by Banchero and star forward Franz Wagner, the Magic have an impressive and young core moving forward.
Orlando will return to NBA action when the preseason begins, starting with a road matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans on Oct. 10 at 8 p.m.
