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

Washington Huskies

There’s no need to compare Washington to any other school on this list, simply because it doesn’t matter. Recruiting in Seattle is different from maybe anywhere else in the country due to how connected the players from the past, present, and future are with one another. There’s truly a community and support aspect there that is highly beneficial to Washington Basketball, who lands a high percentage of top-tier prospects from the local area. And add to it the very important fact that both of Banchero’s parents went to the school, and you have a clear contender in the Huskies.

But things have changed recently. New head coach Mike Hopkins does have his own connections to the Seattle area, evident by landing former five-star forward Jaden McDaniels a year ago. But he’s not former head coach Lorenzo Romar, who had a lock on recruits when he was around. There’s also the lack of hostility towards Coach Few and rival Gonzaga in the area, which is why they’re in a position to target Banchero as well. Not only that but the Bulldogs are far closer to contending for a national title than the Huskies.

Then you also have to include the fact that Banchero would have to play in a 2-3 zone on defense. It’s not a killer for one’ draft stock but not showing how great he is one-on-one could hurt him in the eyes of the scouts. And while he’ll be the star on any potential 2021-22 Huskie squad, barring any other commits with a big impact, I’m not certain they’ll be good enough to make the NCAA Tournament, based on the roster they have now.

Washington’s case for Banchero all comes down to whether he wants to stay home and play for his parents’ school. But considering how much they struggled last season, that might have cost them a five-star recruit. And rival Gonzaga could be the biggest beneficiary if he wants to stay in the state, but for a real contender.