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One week ago, top NBA prospect Paolo Banchero played in his first game for the Duke University Blue Devils. In 31 minutes of game action, Banchero put up 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Alongside a 25-point performance from fellow freshman Trevor Keels, Banchero and the Blue Devils kicked off the 2021-2022 men's college basketball season with a big win against the University of Kentucky. The good times didn't stop there. Banchero had a double-double in a 26-point win against Army and he put up another 18 points in an 11-point win against Campbell. Three games into the season, it appeared that legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski had the fire power needed to win a national championship in his final season. Unfortunately, his team encountered a major obstacle heading into the team's fourth game of the season.
The News & Observer has reported that Paolo Banchero was arrested on Sunday and charged with aiding and abetting DWI. His teammate and Krzyzewski's grandson, Michael Savarino, was behind the wheel of the vehicle and charged with DWI. According to the report, Savarino was stopped for a traffic violation while driving in Orange County, North Carolina. During the stop, Savarino allegedly appeared intoxicated and was asked to take a breathalyzer test. The News & Observer reports that Savarino had a blood alcohol level of .08, the legal limit in North Carolina.
“We are reviewing a legal matter involving two members of the men’s basketball team,” Duke Men's Basketball Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski wrote in a statement obtained by The News & Observer.
“Any further actions as a result of this situation will ultimately be determined by the Vice President/Director of Athletics and University officials.”
The Duke Blue Devils are scheduled to play Gardner-Webb University at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 16. It is unclear if Banchero or Savarino will play in the upcoming game.
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