Paolo Banchero, the former NBA All-Star now playing for the Orlando Magic, just pulled back the curtain on some serious scrimmage results from Duke, and it is a wake-up call for the current roster. Banchero straight up admitted that the alumni team, his squad, won eight games in a row against Duke’s current players ahead of the 2026-27 season. Talk about a reality check!
“They Still Got Work To Do”
Banchero wasn’t shy about what that win streak means. He said, “We were in their shoes; sometimes you just got to show them, winning eight games in a row, lets them know they still got work to do.” That’s the kind of blunt truth only an alum can deliver. He recognized Duke’s talent right away, but those results speak volumes. It’s clear the old guard still knows how to get it done, and they gave the current team a master class in what it takes to win.
Talent Is There, But Does It Stick Together?
Despite handing them eight straight losses, Banchero is still high on the current Duke team. He continued, “I love this team. A ton of talent top to bottom.” He even added that he is “glad I’m not a coach having to choose who the starters are and all that, because there’s a ton of talent on this team.” The message is clear: the raw material is there. But Banchero’s ultimate challenge for them? “So, as long as they stick together, the sky is the limit.” That togetherness is key. It’s not just about individual skill.
Banchero, the No. 1 overall pick back in the 2022 NBA Draft, has a tight bond with Duke head coach Jon Scheyer. The two have been linked up multiple times this summer, even taking a trip to scout five-star prospect Beckham Black, who is the younger brother of Banchero’s teammate, Anthony Black. It shows Banchero is still deeply invested in the program.
The big takeaway for the current Duke squad before their 2026-27 season kicks off? The talent is there, but the alumni just proved they’ve got some serious work to do.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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