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2021 five-star power forward Paolo Banchero has released his top nine schools, and the Gonzaga Bulldogs are in the mix.
Only 9️⃣ Of Em Left @TiptonEdits pic.twitter.com/ouV0QalRj8
— Paolo (Paul-Oh) (@Pp_doesit) September 13, 2019
Banchero took an unofficial visit to Gonzaga last weekend, and has his official visit with the school scheduled for Jan. 18-19, 2020. (Before you get too excited about the dual visit, he also did that with the Washington Huskies, thanks to proximity.)
Banchero hails from O’Dea High School in Seattle, Washington, and is one of the top-ranked recruits in the entire country. 247 Sports ranks him as the top power forward in the country, and the No. 4 recruit in the nation.
As the other list of schools showcases, the Zags are going to battle with the top of the top for his services. Many experts are pegging Banchero to stay at home and play for the Washington Huskies, but the Duke Blue Devils are putting on the increased push.
Significant Paolo Banchero update: Him and I spoke last night; Duke’s full staff will be in for him on Tuesday, in addition, Tennessee’s Rick Barnes will meet with him next week.
— Jake (@jakeweingarten) September 13, 2019
Also: He will release Top-9 at 6:00 P.M eastern.
Banchero averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds last season and helped lead O’Dea to a 3A state championship.
The Zags Class of 2021 consists solely of 6’9 Kaden Perry from Battle Ground, Washington.