Paolo Banchero to make side trip while helping Team USA in redemption bid

Team USA’s Paolo Banchero gestures during the FIBA Basketball World Cup group C match between US and New Zealand at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay city, suburban Manila on August 26, 2023. (Photo by SHERWIN VARDELEON / AFP)

Paolo Banchero was told in advance by a relative of what to expect days before he and Team USA arrived in Manila for the Fiba World Cup.

“He texted me a couple of days before I got here telling me what to expect and welcoming me,” the Orlando Magic rising star said of a cousin who happens to be PBA veteran Chris Banchero, a highly-touted point guard this side of the globe.

It was only a few months ago when almost everyone in the Philippines learned that the two Bancheros are actually related, as a lot of fans got interested in that angle when Paolo was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2022 Draft out of collegiate powerhouse Duke and is the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year.

Unlike Chris, though, there’s no chance for Paolo to play for the Philippines as a Filipino.

Meralco’s new guard Chris Banchero. PBA IMAGES

To be clear, both were born in Seattle and share their Italian roots with their paternal sides. But it’s the Meralco Bolts guard who has Filipino blood, tracing that to his mother.

The two Bancheros plan to meet up during the course of the tournament that the United States will try to regain behind a youth-laden lineup that includes Paolo, who was key in Saturday’s 99-72 rout of New Zealand. The Americans will be eyeing a second win in Group C on Monday against Greece at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“Hopefully, I get to try and bring him to a game soon and also meet him up,” said Paolo, who will turn 21 in November. “My dad’s supposed to get here [early]. But my dad gets here next week, so I think we’re all gonna meet up and have a nice family moment.”

Key figure

Reunion plans aside, Banchero is among those seen as a key component in the Americans’ quest for a record sixth World Cup title and that was on full display during the rout of the Kiwis before close to 11,000 fans.

Banchero came off the bench to produce 21 points and four blocks as Team USA bucked a 14-4 deficit at the start, getting a boost from Banchero’s strong offensive showing both inside and outside, plus his intimidating presence on the defensive end.

His entry with 4:50 left in the first quarter for starting center Jaren Jackson Jr. set up the Americans’ run.

More than half of the United States’ point production came from its second unit, which impressed coach Steve Kerr, who is hoping to have every one of his 12 players step up.

“Obviously, we don’t want to come out and start flat,” said Banchero. “But this being the first game, with a lot of travel, a lot of basketball being played, it’s not a surprise that it did happen and we picked it up and finished strong.”

A second win over Greece, which also started the tourney on a winning note with a 92-71 rout of Jordan, will likely assure the United States a place in the second round and face the two best teams from Group D.

Lithuania and Montenegro have clinched spots in the next phase.

Both teams will give the United States frontline a testy challenge in the paint, thus making Banchero’s role more important.