Ex Duke star Paolo Banchero has heartfelt reaction to Cooper Flagg & Co. showing up to Magic-Celtics skirmish 

Following the game against the Boston Celtics on Friday, Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero mentioned seeing Duke standout Cooper Flagg in attendance. Duke's 2022 first-overall draft pick was moved by the outpouring of support.

The Duke Men’s Basketball team was in the city ahead of their game against the Boston College Eagles. They took the time to visit the TD Garden to catch up with their former players, including Celtics star Jayson Tatum and Magic's Wendell Carter Jr.

"They brought the whole program," Banchero said. "So, I saw not only Coach Scheyer but strength coaches, training staff, all the players.”

“You know, always refreshing when I get to talk to them. And that was the first time they've watched me play in an NBA game. So, wish I could have played better, but it was just good seeing them, saying hi, and spending time with them,” Banchero added.

Banchero met with projected 2025 top overall pick Cooper Flagg, who was part of the Blue Devils contingent at TD Garden. The former Duke star also caught up with coach Jon Scheyer and the rest of the team after the game with a photo of them posted on X.

Duke Men’s Basketball family -Image Source/X@dukembb

The Magic lost 121-94, with Jayson Tatum leading the Celtics with 30 points, six rebounds and four assists. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 21 points, four assists and four rebounds, while Wendell Carter Jr., another former Duke player, had 15 points, nine rebounds and three assists.

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Paolo Banchero praised by Boston Celtics rival and former Duke alumnus

Paolo Banchero was praised by Boston Celtics and former Duke Alumnus Jayson Tatum after the Celtics win at home against the Magic.

“I love him as a person," Tatum said. "He’s a great competitor. The things that he's done already this league — and where he's going to continue to keep going, and his potential, everybody can see it. I know he loves the game. He works really hard at it.”

Tatum was part of the Duke Basketball program before being drafted by the Celtics as the No. 3 pick in the 2017 draft. Banchero went on to win Rookie of the Year in 2023 and led the Magic to the postseason in 2024.

This season, Banchero is averaging 27.6 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game.