The Magic Insider

Paolo Banchero's Stardom Grows While Giving Back During Magic's NY Road Trip

Third-year Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero spent his Monday afternoon surprising the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem with a shopping spree at the NBA Store on Fifth Avenue in New York.

Mason Williams

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero spent his Monday afternoon surprising teens from the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem with a shopping spree at the NBA Store on Fifth Ave in New York.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero spent his Monday afternoon surprising teens from the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem with a shopping spree at the NBA Store on Fifth Ave in New York. / Mason Williams, Orlando Magic on SI
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NEW YORK – As Paolo Banchero hosted teenagers from the Boys and Girls Club in Harlem for a surprise shopping spree inside the NBA Store on Fifth Avenue, he could see himself in their shoes.

The Orlando Magic's on-the-mend All-Star spent part of his Monday afternoon giving back to an organization that's given so much to him.

"It's awesome. You know, holiday season [is the] season of giving," Banchero said Monday. "Then for me, just being able to give back to the kids of the Boys and Girls Club, kids who [are] growing up similar to how I did and just being a part of that. It's special for me because I was in their same position. For it to come full circle and me be able to give back to them, it's a pretty special feeling.""

Before he became a star freshman at Duke and the Magic's No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 draft, Banchero remembers his Seattle roots. He recalled being around the local chapter of the Boys and Girls Club every day.

"I learned a lot about how to interact with kids from different walks of life [and] different backgrounds. Made a lot of friends there, a lot of lifelong mentors there," Banchero said.

But he'd also recall Seahawks players and athletes from his hometown coming back to share their time and resources with kids like him.

"I remember looking at them as my heroes, my role models," said Banchero, 22. "For me to do the same thing, when I sit back and think about it, it's crazy because it really doesn't feel that long ago that I was one of those kids. So it's amazing."

Each of the teens in attendance for Banchero's surprise received a $150 gift card to shop the store. But the surprise went further once he offered to pay out of his pocket for any Magic gear they wanted. Soon after, a few more Magic jerseys came off the wall and were headed to the register.

"Just wanted the kids to, one, get whatever they want, then two, recognize me being who I am, playing for the Magic, try to grow that a little bit and spread the love," Banchero said with a smile. "[I] didn't want them paying for any Magic gear because I want them to be able to say, 'I got this Magic jersey for free. I got it from Paolo himself.'"

Banchero accompanied the teenagers around the three-level store as they made their selections. But he wasn't there as a supervisor. Rather, Banchero took time talking with the teens, asking them about their interests.

One of the participants had to gather himself shortly after Banchero arrived at the store. As they began their shopping, he turned to another of the teens and, still bubbling, repeatedly told her, 'You don't understand how tough he is."

Those interactions, he said, are the aspects of these events that he cherishes the most.

"They're always so loving, caring [and] appreciative of the moment," he said. "It really just reminds me of how it was for me, how similar it was just being around people who are really down-to-earth [and] just appreciate life for what it is. So when they get to see a role model, they really appreciate it, they don't forget it and I can relate, so it's awesome."

It wasn't just kids who wanted pictures, either. The store remained open to the public as Banchero walked with the teens, and several astonished faces followed. For everyone who approached, the 6-foot-10 All-Star stopped for pictures and quick conversations. Some even walked away with one of the extra gift cards Banchero had in hand.

This summer, Banchero spent time as one of four leading faces of the Jordan Brand's China tour and unveiled unique "player edition" shoes with the line. As his NBA career continues to grow, so too does the Magic team around him as his squad sits third in the East standings despite his injury absence.

This past weekend, the Magic TV broadcast highlighted a letter Banchero received from a Japanese fan who traveled to Brooklyn from Boston while studying abroad, which detailed her appreciation for him and his game.

"It's special. The game of basketball can take you all over the world," Banchero said. "It can help you influence kids from all over the world and all over the country. To see people just recognize me and want a picture or want to ask me a question, it's cool because I get to share my perspective and hopefully make their day."

His jerseys now are on display out of his home market and going into the hands of general NBA fans. The audience reach that his play has attracted means the public has taken notice.

Banchero called the store a "fan's wonderland" in the "mecca of basketball," and seeing his jersey for sale is unlike anything else.

To be heralded in this city, in this setting, is the mark of a superstar.

"It is surreal, man. I can't lie," Banchero said. "It's surreal just seeing people wear my jersey at games [and] in the arena. Seeing 'Banchero 5' on people's back, it's an amazing feeling. I never really get over it. I got a bunch of my own jerseys at the house sitting there, and I just always look at them, you know. It's just crazy having an NBA jersey that gets sold in the stores.

"It's one thing to be in the NBA, but to have your jersey in the store is something that I don't take for granted, so I appreciate it for sure."

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