SEATTLE — The 12s just got a massive assist from the NBA hardwood. With less than 24 hours until the Seattle Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game, Orlando Magic superstar and Seattle native Paolo Banchero sent Lumen Field into a frenzy before kickoff. The O’Dea High School product took to the Seahawks’ official social media channels Saturday afternoon with a simple, electrifying message: he’s riding with the home team.
From the Hardwood to the Gridiron
The tweet, captioned with a screaming siren emoji and Banchero’s handle, shows the 6’10” forward decked out in Seahawks gear, looking dead into the camera. While the Magic are in the thick of their own season, Banchero made it clear where his loyalty lies this weekend. His message? A direct shot of adrenaline to a city already buzzing for the Sunday 3:30 p.m. kickoff.
Banchero isn’t just a casual fan; he’s a verified 12. Born and raised in the Emerald City, he led O’Dea to a state basketball championship before becoming the No. 1 overall NBA draft pick. Seeing him rep the Hawks isn’t new—he raised the 12 Flag back in 2022—but the timing here is surgical. The Seahawks (14-3) are preparing for a brutal rubber match against the Rams (12-5), having split their regular-season series in two nail-biters decided by a combined three points.
“I know Lumen is gonna be rocking. To wish my… [brothers] good luck. Let’s bring that George Halas trophy home. 206 stand up!” — Paolo Banchero, via @Seahawks
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
This isn’t just celebrity fluff; it’s part of the psychological warfare of Championship Weekend. The Rams are riding a hot streak, but Seattle has home-field advantage and the deafening noise of the 12s on their side. Quarterback Sam Darnold and the offense have been lethal at home, averaging nearly 30 points per game at Lumen Field.
Banchero’s shoutout adds fuel to an already combustible atmosphere. If the Seahawks handle business Sunday, they punch their ticket to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara. The city is ready. The team is ready. And clearly, Paolo is ready.
