Earlier this week during NBA media day, former Duke Blue Devil Paolo Banchero answered plenty of questions pertaining to his expectations for the 2026-27 season. However, he was also asked about his offseason, having trained with plenty of former NBA champions. While his training sessions with other Duke alumni like Jayson Tatum and Kyrie Irving come to mind, Banchero did train with a future Hall of Famer outside of the Duke Brotherhood, former Texas Longhorns forward Kevin Durant.
Speaking with Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson, Banchero discussed his workout with the four-time scoring champion and 18-year NBA veteran.
"Obviously, our games are a lot different, and our bodies are a lot different," he said. "But I think the biggest thing I take from
him is just how he works out, the intensity at which he works out, and how every rep he does is game speed, you know? I think those are the biggest things I’ve learned from him.”
“Just for him to allow me to work out with him, take me under his wing a little bit, and give me some pointers—it’s definitely a help,” Banchero answered.
Since entering the NBA with the Orlando Magic, the former No. 1 overall pick has averaged 22.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks in his first four seasons, making one All-Star appearance. Although he has yet to make it beyond the first round of the playoffs, Banchero has presented himself as a strong postseason performer, averaging 27.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.9 assists while stepping up in Game 7s.
This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Duke's Paolo Banchero discusses his workout with future NBA Hall of Famer
