Paolo Banchero has quickly become the face of Orlando Magic. Though the team made the playoffs at times, they never had that one guy to lead the charge. Everything shifted when Banchero entered the scene as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. From day one, it was clear that Banchero had the talent to change the trajectory of the franchise.

Not only has Banchero impressed in the NBA, but he also showcased his skills on the global stage at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Even in a lineup full of stars, Banchero made sure to leave his mark. But here’s the kicker: before he even set foot on that international stage, Banchero’s decision to play for Team USA could have gone differently.

How could this happen? Well, the answer lies in his roots.

What is Paolo Banchero’s ethnicity? Exploring the roots and nationality of the Orlando Magic star

Paolo Banchero’s background is like a mix of cultures straight out of a feel-good sports movie. His dad, Mario Banchero, brings forth a deep Italian heritage to the table. Born on April 16, 1974, in Seattle, Mario grew up in a family whose Italian ancestors immigrated to the U.S. in the early 1900s. They settled in Black Diamond, Washington, where they worked as farmers and coal miners—a classic American immigrant story. Mario played football for the Washington Huskies during college, graduating with a degree in Communications in 1997. While he didn’t make it to the NFL, he gained enough gridiron cred to pass on that competitive fire.

Then there’s Paolo’s mom, Rhonda Smith-Banchero, a straight-up basketball legend in her own right. Born on May 1, 1973, in Seattle, Rhonda’s hoops journey began at Franklin High School. By the time she hit the University of Washington, she was a force of nature, becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer with a jaw-dropping 2,948 points. Drafted in the third round of the 2000 WNBA Draft, she spent six seasons with the Sacramento Monarchs. Her dominance didn’t go unnoticed—she made it to the Husky Hall of Fame in 2004. After retiring, Rhonda stayed in the game, taking her talents to Holy Names Academy as a basketball coach.

Mario and Rhonda Banchero’s story began at the University of Washington, where they met and started dating during the 1990s. Their relationship culminated in marriage on July 31, 1999. Over the years, they built a family of five, raising their three children—Paolo, Mia, and Lio—in Seattle, Washington.

Given their athletic backgrounds, it’s no surprise that Mario and Rhonda had a strong influence on their kids’ career choices.

Does Paolo Banchero have Italian citizenship? Did he play for the Italian National Team?

Paolo Banchero, the NBA’s Rookie of the Year from the Orlando Magic, recently earned a spot on Team USA’s 2023 Basketball World Cup roster. While his teammates followed a simple path—accepting invites from Grant Hill and the USA Basketball team—Banchero’s decision involved more layers as reported by apnews.com.

With dual citizenship from his Italian father, Banchero had the option to represent Italy instead of the United States. This wasn’t just theoretical; Italy’s national team actively pursued him. His connection to Italy grew stronger during high school through Riccardo Fois, an Italian coach then working with Gonzaga. Fois, a former player for the Italian team, encouraged Banchero to embrace his Italian roots and consider playing internationally. Italy even offered him a spot on their senior team before he played in college, but the pandemic disrupted those plans.

Adding to this was Banchero’s earlier disappointment with USA Basketball, as he failed to make their youth teams, which left him questioning his allegiance. For a time, representing Italy felt like a real possibility. Yet, in the end, Banchero chose Team USA, bringing his basketball journey full circle and showing that sometimes the most rewarding choices are the hardest to make.

But every day, Banchero walked past a framed reminder of his mother’s basketball legacy. In his family’s basement, a team photo of a 1990s USA Basketball squad featuring his mom hung proudly on the wall. His bedroom was in the same space, making the image impossible to ignore.

“I saw that picture every single day,” Banchero recalled. “It was one of my biggest dreams as a kid, to play for USA.” That childhood aspiration, inspired by his mother’s achievements, became the driving force behind his decision to join Team USA.

During the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Paolo Banchero proudly suited up for Team USA, delivering standout performances. Against New Zealand, he led the scoreboard with an impressive 21 points in under 19 minutes, adding four blocks to his stat line. His efforts played a key role in pushing the team to the semifinals. However, their campaign ended in heartbreak with a razor-thin 111-113 loss to Germany, a game that could’ve swung either way.