Paolo Banchero height revelation could be a game-changer ahead of NBA Draft

• COMMENTS

The former Blue Devil is a projected top-three pick in 2022 but a revelation regarding Paolo Banchero’s height might see him secure the No.1 overall pick.

Former Duke star Paolo Banchero is one of the players favorite to go No.1 overall in this year’s NBA draft. The 19-year-old power forward was a consensus five-star recruit in college and declared for this year’s draft after the 2022 NCAA Tournament.

He is already one of the top names in the draft but a recent revelation about his height may prove a game-changer.

• TRENDING: Who are Paolo Banchero’s parents? Ethnicity of Duke star revealed

Paolo Banchero’s height could be more than 6ft 10in

Paolo Banchero’s height is currently listed as 6ft 9in. However, speaking on The Mismatch, The Ringer’s Chris Vernon revealed Banchero might actually be taller than most people thought.

“This dude is big,” said Vernon, who apparently saw Banchero at a recent workout. “Like big, big. I talked to somebody there and I was like, ‘Yo, what did he measure at?’ They told me that he, I want to say it was in Houston, maybe he went to go work out or something, that he measured 6ft 10.5in or 6ft 10.25in without shoes.”

• DRAFT: Who are Chet Holmgren’s parents and how tall are they?

This could be a game-changer ahead of the draft

Per Larry Brown Sports, many draft prospects at this year’s NBA Combine – which Banchero did not participate in – were an inch to an inch-and-a-half taller with shoes.

If this is true, and Paolo Banchero is around 6ft 10.5in without shoes, he could be near 7ft in proper NBA gear. This revelation could be a game-changer and would no doubt impact his draft stock and make him the clear favorite for top pick.

Banchero’s productivity on offense and all-round game make him an attractive proposition for any franchise. While there are question marks around his shooting and defense, 7ft forwards with skill, mobility and advanced passing don’t come around often.

• FEATURED: Andrew Wiggins’ dad played in the NBA and his mom is an Olympic silver medallist

When is the 2022 NBA Draft?

The 2022 NBA Draft is set for 23 June 2022, with the Orlando Magic having the No.1 overall pick. It is the fourth time they’ve had the No.1 overall pick (the second most overall) and the last time they had it they drafted Dwight Howard in 2009.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings and Detroit Pistons make up the top five, with the top prospects including Banchero along with Jabari Smith, Chet Holmgren and Jaden Ivey.

Who do you think will be drafted No.1 overall? Let us know in the comments below!

Joshua Rogers

Joshua is a senior sports writer with over four years' experience in online writing. He graduated with a BA in Ancient History from The University of Manchester before receiving an MA in Sports Journalism from The University of Central Lancashire. He became a trending writer for a leading social publisher and later spent time covering the 2018 World Cup for The Mirror Online. He then moved to a social marketing agency where he acted as website editor. His specialties on The Focus include F1, tennis, NBA, NFL and combat sports.