Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero has been the favorite to win the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award since the start of the season.

He may have seen some competition from Indiana Pacers Rookie Bennetict Mathurin earlier this season, but at this point the award almost certainly belongs to Banchero.

Banchero recently took part in All-Star Weekend competing in the Rising Stars match. In the Rising Stars event, Banchero played for Team Pau and finished with 9 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist. In the second game to win the event title, Paul Banchero put up 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal and 1 stoppage. After the All-Star Weekend, Banchero now has his eyes on the Rookie of the Year award as told to SiriusXM NBA Radio.

“Rookie of the Year is definitely something I want to win. I hope I can finish the season strong and guarantee myself the award.”, Banchero said. “I think what will put me at my best for that award is if we win and if we are able to compete and make the play-ins. That’s the number one goal, that’s the main goal for me, is to win all the games and the rest will come naturally.”

“Hopefully I can finish out this season strong and secure the award.”@Pp_doesit has his sights set on Rookie of the Year. pic.twitter.com/Yw6NrJNA9p

– SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) February 23, 2023

Read also: VIDEO: LeBron James doesn’t save the ball … but the camera