The NCAA entered the Mad March. In the first round, Duke defeated California State 78-61. In this game, Duke's five starters all scored in double figures, including big forward Paul Bancello 7 of 14, 4 of 4 three-pointers and 1 of 1 free throw, contributing a team-high 17 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks.
In this game, Bancello showed his ability to score inside and out. He also became the third Duke player to cut a double-double in his mad three-year debut in the past 20 years, previously Tatum (2017 Tanhua) and RJ Barrett (2019 Tanhua).
Like the two senior brothers, Bancello is also a popular candidate in the NBA draft. On ESPN's multi-issue rookie prediction list, Banchero is in the top 3 and is a popular candidate for this year's NBA draft. Bancero is 2.08 meters tall and weighs 250 pounds, and he can be on the field, and his template player is Randle. With three-point ability, physical flexibility, and the ability to attack alone, such a big man is the darling of modern basketball.
It's still too early to say that Banchero has booked the class of 2022 in advance. Because Gonzaga University interior line-up Chet Homegren also played well in his crazy three-time debut, he had 19 points, 17 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 7 blocks, and there were no mistakes. Another favourite & Auburn University forward Jabari Smith Jr. shot 6-of-13 from the field, 4-of-7 from three-point range and 4-of-6 from the free throw line, and scored 20 points, 14 rebounds and four assists.
The performance of these two people is not at all lost to Bancello. If Bancello wants to consolidate his draft status, he must continue to perform better in the next competition. According to the schedule, Duke University will face no. 7 seed Michigan State next Monday.