NBA executive says Paolo Banchero is “a lock” for 2022 Draft 1st pick after Duke-Gonzaga

Duke freshman Paolo Banchero shined in the first half of Duke-Gonzaga, in a direct matchup with fellow top prospect Chet Holmgren, and Adam Zagoria of Forbes reports the words of a NBA executive in the stands for the game Friday night: “He (Banchero) will be No. 1 [because of] his size, strength and ability to score at all 3 levels”.

“It was Paolo Banchero and it really wasn’t even close. He looked like the No. 1 pick today,” ESPN draft analyst Mike Schmitz said on air after the game.