Paolo Banchero joins Jordan brand’s NBA roster 

Paolo Banchero, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, has officially signed a multi-year sneakers deal with Jordan Brand in the midst of the 2022-23 NBA pre-season. 

Despite Michael Jordan having previously represented UNC, Banchero is the third current Duke graduate to sign with the company following Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics and Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans. 

The former Duke star said that he aimed to create a player-exclusive model inspired by Seattle in honour of his city and a more exclusive creative model of sneakers with the brand. Banchero is now anticipated to be the focal point of the Air Jordan 37s.

The youngster is scheduled to play in his first NBA game on October 19, 2022, when the Orlando Magic visit the Detroit Pistons.

Commenting on the association, Paolo Banchero said:

“It was exciting for me, just having all of the shoe companies become more and more interested.

“When Jordan stepped in, that really kind of made me raise my eyebrows. They don’t try and sign everybody.

“Hopefully telling some of the childhood stories or memories I had growing up, some of the stuff I’m into off the court or on the court, stuff that people are going to like and stuff that means a lot to me. I’m excited to eventually brainstorm and get that stuff started.”