Paolo Banchero is tough!

Surprise number 1 in the Draft since he had made no try for the Magic, Paolo Banchero did not miss his pro debut with 17 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists against the Jabari Smith Jr. Rockets. , many NBA stars of yesterday and today, a slew of leaders, but Banchero assures that he had no stage fright.

“No pressure. It’s tattooed on me. Literally  » he explains after his performance. “I’ve always handled pressure well, and I’ve been able to handle it. What I mean is that in the end, it’s just basketball. There will be all this pressure, all this noise, but at the end of the day, you have to go out there and put some baskets against five other guys… So, I’m more like, ‘What is this pressure? ‘is basketball right?’ »

No pressure, no lump in the stomach, but Banchero recognizes all the same that he had things to prove.

« I wanted to show that I can be a go-to-guy and someone who can impact the win, not someone who penalizes his team » he continues. “You know, I think I’m going to have the ball in my hands a lot, and bring in points, assists and rebounds. It was about doing all that, and being better in defense. I think I’ve done all of that, but I can still do a lot better. »

What we will remember is that he is indeed a complete attacker, who did not hide in defense, and he seduced by his ability to direct the game. A tall and very strong winger, Panchero can get on the ball, and his vision of the game is very interesting. We saw him distribute a few nice passes, and he assures us that it was only a warm-up.

 » I think I did well concludes Banchero.  » I missed a few easy shots, missed a layup, a few shots came out… But I think I was solid. I involved my teammates. I could have been better in defense. I warm up, I get in shape, that’s what I use the Summer League for: to get in shape. »