Paolo Banchero, the power forward for the Orlando Magic, probably didn’t watch the men’s college basketball national final. In his third season of a $50.2 million contract, Banchero told reporters Monday that he didn’t care if the Florida Gators played the Houston Cougars in the championship game. The Duke Blue Devils, Banchero’s alma mater, fell short against Houston in the national semifinals on Saturday.
Before the game, Banchero told the journalists, “I could care less who wins tonight.” “Watching Saturday was difficult. “Congratulations to whoever wins.” I feel bad for my boys, but Houston deserves praise for persevering.
With three minutes left in regulation, Duke had a nine-point advantage and appeared to be headed to the national championship game. With 30 seconds remaining, the Blue Devils were six points ahead as well. However, the Cougars defeated the Blue Devils 70-67 after an 11-1 surge at the end of the game.
This season, Banchero’s college comrades were reduced to only two members of the Duke men’s basketball team. However, it is evident that Banchero maintains a close bond with his school. Banchero attended Duke for one season in 2021–2022. He led the club in scoring 17.2 points and pulling down 7.8 rebounds per game throughout the campaign.
The Blue Devils also suffered a four-point defeat in the 2022 NCAA Tournament Final Four while Banchero was on the team. The last time Duke took home the national title was in 2015.
