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Former Duke basketball one-and-done Paolo Banchero is off to a ferocious start for the Magic in what would be his senior season in Durham.

Matt Giles

Former Duke basketball players Wendell Carter Jr., Mark Williams, and Paolo Banchero
Former Duke basketball players Wendell Carter Jr., Mark Williams, and Paolo Banchero / Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images
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It's not that far-fetched to think Paolo Banchero may one day post season averages mirroring the box score he filled up in the Orlando Magic's 116-97 season-opening road win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. The Duke basketball gem from Seattle finished with 33 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block in only 31 minutes on the floor, posting a plus/minus of +42, all while committing zero turnovers and only two fouls.

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He shot 12-for-24 from the field, 4-for-8 beyond the arc, and 5-for-6 at the charity stripe.

Altogether, that's pretty much as efficient as anyone could ask for across the board — from a mere 21-year-old.

In fact, according to OptaSTATS, no NBA player has delivered as many points and rebounds with zero turnovers and at least a +40 in a game since the league began tracking plus/minus in the late 1990s.

The official Duke basketball account reacted to that advertised feat by asking Paolo Banchero on social media, "Is that good?"

Indeed, it is better than good. And chances are Banchero, the 2021-22 ACC Player of the Year, 2022 No. 1 overall draft pick, 2022-23 ACC Rookie of the Year, and 2024 first-time All-Star, fresh off powering the Orlando Magic to its first NBA Playoffs appearance since 2020 by averaging 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game last season, is only getting started.

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His fellow frontcourt starter in Orlando, 2017-18 Duke basketball one-and-done Wendell Carter Jr., tallied eight points, 14 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and only one turnover across his 27 minutes of action against the Heat.

Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr., and the 2024-25 Orlando Magic are gearing up for their home debut against the Brooklyn Nets (0-1) — including second-year NBA Blue Devil Dariq Whitehead —at 7 p.m. ET Friday.

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Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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