NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing 2021 Paolo Banchero’s final 6 teams

Arizona Wildcats

It’s confusing as to why and how Arizona seemingly came out of nowhere but to Banchero, they were always one of his favorites. According to an interview with Pro Insight, both the Wildcats and Washington were his “favorite programs” growing up. So once Sean Miller and the coaching staff got back to recruiting him, the program got right back into the picture.

Of course, just because you’re in the final group doesn’t mean you have much of a shot at landing Banchero. It’s hard enough fighting with the likes of both Duke and Kentucky for a coveted player while local options Washington and Gonzaga have made the most effort in landing him. And all the zoom visits in the world can’t make up for lost time in Arizona’s pursuit in Banchero.

That being said, the Wildcats have an advantage in playing time opportunities. Outside of former five-star recruit/Nevada forward Jordan Brown and four-star French center Daniel Batcho. this team doesn’t have any other frontcourt players for the 2021-22 roster. Banchero can come in and be the focal point of the offense compared to sharing the ball at either Duke or Kentucky. He could end up as Deandre Ayton, a star big man for the Wildcats who ultimately became the first pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.