Interviewer hilariously mistakes Paolo Banchero for Patrick Mahomes at Formula 1 race
Duke forward Paolo Banchero is a star in his own right, but he’s (apparently) not quite a household name.
On Sunday, Banchero — who is projected to be a top-3 pick in this summer’s NBA draft — was accidentally mistaken for NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes at the Formula 1 race in Miami.
Banchero handled the situation well and still answered the reporters’ questions. Here’s a clip:
He thought Paolo Banchero was Patrick Mahomes 😂😂😂
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) May 8, 2022
Banchero and Mahomes both acknowledged the mistake on Twitter.
Bro ain’t no way 😂😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/5qcqjEoc5q
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) May 8, 2022
Fellow Duke star Mark Williams poked fun at the situation. Shortly after the incident, he posted a Snapchat with Banchero with the caption “Paolo Mahomes.”
Mark Williams with Paolo Banchero
“Found Paolo Mahomes” 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/vqut2RIJWJ
— Blue Devils (@BlueDevils) May 9, 2022
Banchero’s pre-draft process will likely be ramping up in the coming days. The NBA draft lottery takes place on May 17, which will likely have a major impact on where he is ultimately drafted. The order could also determine which franchises he conducts pre-draft workouts with.
Banchero is in contention to go No. 1 overall in this draft alongside Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren and Auburn’s Jabari Smith Jr.
The NBA Draft is on June 23.