Magic's Paolo Banchero Leads USA to FIBA Victory vs. New Zealand

Paolo Banchero represented the USA and the Orlando Magic well, scoring a game-high 21 points in the win vs. New Zealand.

Jeremy Brener | Aug 26, 2023

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Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic reigning Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero is making a statement on a global stage.

Banchero came off the bench in the FIBA World Cup opener Saturday against New Zealand, but scored a game-high 21 points in a 99-72 rout.

Banchero was joined in double figures by starters Anthony Edwards (14 points), Jaren Jackson Jr. (12) and Jalen Brunson (10). He also had fellow second-unit players Austin Reaves (12) and Tyrese Haliburton (10) join him in double-digit scoring.

At 6-10, Banchero is one of the taller players for Team USA and coach Steve Kerr has tried inserting him in lineups where he is the biggest on the floor. It's something he didn't do much of in his first season with the Magic, but a position where he thrived in the FIBA opener.

He blocked four shots in the win, feasting on smaller New Zealand scorers and leading the Americans.

Banchero is now proving on an international stage what many in the local scene already knew ... he's really good at basketball.

Banchero and the U.S. looks to solidify a spot in the second round of the tournament with a game Monday against Greece. Tipoff is set for 8:30 a.m. on ESPN2.

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Published Aug 26, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.