Paolo Banchero has funny reason for wearing purple to NBA Draft

Nov 12, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Paolo Banchero (5) looks to pass during the second half against the Army Black Knights at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

None of Paolo Banchero’s likely destinations feature purple prominently in their color scheme, but that did not stop the potential top-three pick from wearing the color to the NBA Draft on Thursday.

Banchero arrived at the draft wearing an eye-catching purple suit, and the choice was apparently intentional. The Seattle native admitted that his parents had wanted him to go to Washington, where they had both attended college. Banchero instead wound up at Duke, and his decision to wear Huskies colors on draft night was “like a I’m sorry.”

Paolo Banchero — who grew up in Seattle, WA — showed up to the #NBADraft2022 in a purple suit.

“I wore this color cause everyone gave my parents some heat for me not going to UW where they went so this was like a I’m sorry.”https://t.co/VBrMggCxbw pic.twitter.com/6MuwgJsHkR

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) June 23, 2022

Banchero’s parents got a pretty good compromise out of this. Sure, Banchero will be remembered as a Duke player, but all his draft night photos will feature him in Washington colors.

Based on reports, we already know where Banchero is set to wind up Thursday. The purple won’t fit anymore, but he’s getting the most out of it on draft night.