Paolo Banchero has already shown so much growth this March.
The likely NBA lottery pick has been on fire in the NCAA tournament, averaging 18.5 points and 7.0 rebounds through four games and leading his Duke Blue Devils back to the Final Four in Coach K’s last season.
He’s also showing growth in his media savviness, too.
In the moments after Duke (-4.5) defeated Arkansas, 78-69, in the Elite Eight, Banchero was asked on the broadcast if he’d rather play Saint Peter’s or bitter rival North Carolina when the Final Four kicks off next Saturday in New Orleans.
Banchero took a breath, collected his thoughts and thoroughly called out the trap he was walking into before punting on the question.
Tracy: "Cinderella St. Peter's or your rival North Carolina. Paulo, which one do you want?"
Paolo Banchero: "You're not gonna get me this time." pic.twitter.com/UBus7Y9wIt
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 27, 2022
Faced with a similar question during the ACC Tournament on March 11, Banchero called out UNC, saying he hoped Duke would get to face the Tar Heels again.
Paolo Banchero asked who he wants to play UNC or VT
Says "UNC" pic.twitter.com/morEfn1oFp
— Alex (@dbs408) March 12, 2022
That didn’t end up happening and the Blue Devils would go onto lose to Virginia Tech in the conference tournament final. This time around he’s just enjoying the moment—and avoiding giving his next opponents any additional motivation.
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