UNC Basketball: Paulo Banchero discusses recruitment, possible reclass

5-star class of 2021 UNC basketball target Paulo Banchero talks recruitment, and possible reclassification

One of the hottest high school basketball players in the nation is ‘seriously considering’ a reclassification into the class of 2020.

"“There are a lot of benefits to moving up to 2020,” Banchero told USA Today. “The biggest is just that it takes off a year of wear and tear on your body. I’ve had coaches tell me that I could play right now; I don’t know about that, but I know I’ll be ready a year from now. There’s a lot to weigh out; I’m not saying I’m definitely gonna do it. I’m strongly considering it though.”"

Paulo Banchero, a 6-foot-9, 235-pound junior at O’Dea High School in Seattle, Washington, is thinking about making the switch after a successful summer on the basketball court that included averaging 23 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and 2.5 blocks per game for Seattle Rotary on the grassroots circuit. He was subsequently named Nike EYBL Underclassmen of the Year. He also led O’Dea to its first state championship in over 10 years, and scored MVP honors at the NBPA Top 100 Camp in June.

So, it’s easy to see why the consensus top-5 power forward has already received more than a dozen scholarship offers, despite being barely old enough to drive a car. Among the programs to have already offered Banchero are Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, Memphis, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

There are those who feel as if Banchero is a near-lock to commit to Washington — thanks to his family ties to the school — but the talented big man has been adamant that his recruitment is wide-open, and that there are currently no favorites for his commitment.

Not even Kentucky, who some feel may be at the forefront of Banchero’s recruitment since he was so quick to plan an official visit to see the Wildcats after they offered him a scholarship just over a month ago.

Perhaps, giving credence to Banchero’s claim that there are no favorites in his recruitment is that he’s already planning visits to both Duke and Kentucky in the fall, and says he’ll use up all of his official visits this season. Don’t be surprised if some combination of Gonzaga, Kansas, Memphis, North Carolina and Tennessee get Banchero’s remaining three official visits.

Banchero is the No. 4 prospect in the class of 2021 according to the 247Sports Composite. He’s the top-ranked power forward in the class, and No. 1 in the state of Washington.

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