Magic's Paolo Banchero After USA Victory: 'It's Go Time!'
ORLANDO - Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero played a vital role in Team USA's 99-72 win over New Zealand to open the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
"This is what I've been waiting for," Banchero told NBA.com. "We played five exhibition games just to get ready for this. When you get to this tournament you know that it's go time. You have to win every game to have a chance."
Banchero finished as the game's leading scorer, despite coming off the bench. He scored 21 points on 8-for-10 shooting from the field (2-2 from deep), grabbed four rebounds and blocked four shots.
At just 20 years old, he is the youngest player on Team USA's roster. You wouldn't know that based on his play, as he looked like a seasoned veteran whenever he was on the court.
He immediately provided a spark off the bench when he checked in with USA down 14-4, helping them to take a 19-18 lead by the end of the first quarter with five points, three rebounds and three blocks.
In his first season with the Magic, he averaged 20 points per game, 6.9 rebounds per game and 3.7 assists per game on his way to winning Rookie of the Year. He received 98 first place votes out of a possible 100, with two going to his Team USA teammate, Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler.
Team USA will play again on Monday against Greece at 8:30 a.m. on ESPN2.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Magic? Click Here.
Follow The Magic Insider on Twitter.
Want even more Orlando Magic news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
Follow Max Gamarra on Twitter
