Magic Star Paolo Banchero 'Not Afraid of Big Moments', Says Jamahl Mosley

Paolo Banchero has led his Orlando Magic team through some clutch moments this season.

Jeremy Brener | Mar 2, 2024

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Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has only been in the league for two seasons, but he's accomplished a lot in a short time.

Banchero was the Rookie of the Year last season and was named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team this year. Now, he's leading his team to their first playoff appearance in four seasons, large in part to his contributions. Coach Jamahl Mosley explained why he's been able to build success so early.

Paolo Banchero Jamahl Mosley — Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

“I think he’s not afraid of those big moments and his teammates trust him to be able to make those big plays," Mosley said. "On the last one I think just the trust that these guys have in each other, it goes such a long way.”

Banchero is the leader of a group that has spent roughly three years together under Mosley's guidance in helping build a foundation to have consistent winning basketball. While Mosley's teaching has been a big part in getting this group on the right track, they wouldn't have made it very far without Banchero, who is the straw that stirs the drink.

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The Magic will face bigger moments as a group throughout the end of this season and in the future, but Mosley isn't worried ... because Banchero is ready to lead his group through those trials and tribulations.

Banchero and the Magic are back in action tomorrow when they host the Detroit Pistons. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.

Published Mar 2, 2024

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.