Duke star Paolo Banchero had a great answer for Tracy Wolfson after the Blue Devils beat Arkansas in the finals of the West Region of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday night in San Francisco, Calif.
Duke beat Arkansas 78-69 to win the region and advance to the Final Four. They await the winner of the Saint Peter’s-North Carolina game.
Wolfson conducted a postgame interview for TBS and asked Banchero whether he wanted to face Saint Peter’s or rival North Carolina. Banchero wasn’t taking the bait this time.
“You’re not going to get me this time!” Banchero said.
Tracy: "Cinderella St. Peter's or your rival North Carolina. Paulo, which one do you want?"
Paolo Banchero: "You're not gonna get me this time." pic.twitter.com/UBus7Y9wIt
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 27, 2022
What’s the significance of the quote and what makes it so perfect?
After Duke beat Miami in the semifinals of the ACC Tournament, Banchero was asked whether he would rather play North Carolina or Virginia Tech in the finals. Banchero said UNC.
First time I’ve ever heard an athlete actually answer the question “who would you rather play?”
Duke’s Paolo Banchero says “UNC” when asked about them against Virginia Tech.
Love it. Understandable.
— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) March 12, 2022
Banchero wanted some revenge on his rivals. But guess what happened? Virginia Tech beat North Carolina and then beat Duke in the finals to win the conference tournament.
Banchero obviously learned his lesson, because he didn’t fall for the question this time around.
Secretly though, he probably hopes to face North Carolina. You know Duke is dying for retribution after the Tar Heels spoiled Coach K’s final home game.
Photo: 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
