Magic Number: Paolo Banchero USA FIBA Jersey Revealed
Orlando Magic power forward Paolo Banchero is making his first Team USA appearance as a professional this summer, but he won't be wearing his traditional No. 5.
Banchero's FIBA jersey number has been revealed, and the NBA's reigning Rookie of The Year winner No. 8 for Team USA.
When the Magic selected Banchero No. 1 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, at the time, many were surprised at the decision as it was debated whether or not he, Jabari Smith, or Chet Holmgren was most deserving of the top selection. He silenced skeptics by averaging 20 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
Replacing those that vocally doubted him are those that want the 20-year-old to play for them, most notably, the president of the Italian basketball federation, Gianni Petrucci.
Last year Banchero (who holds dual citizenship as an Italian American) committed to playing for the Italian team in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, but after an impressive first year with Orlando, he changed his mind and chose to represent the United States in the tournament, a decision that Petrucci has called "betrayal."
Come Aug. 7, when the American team plays Puerto Rico in an exhibition game, Banchero will again be playing to quiet the noise surrounding him, with the comfort of the No. 8 jersey on his back and Golden State Warriors championship head coach Steve Kerr mentoring him on the sidelines.
After an offseason that's featured footage of Banchero training with former MVP Kevin Durant, it will be interesting to see how the young Magic star's game has progressed. The FIBA World Cup begins on August 25 in the Philippines and will allow Banchero to perform live for a global audience.
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