Duke's Paolo Banchero will play tonight despite aiding and abetting DWI charge

According to a source close to the team, Duke freshman phenom Paolo Banchero will play tonight and start against Gardner-Webb after he was charged with aiding and abetting DWI Sunday morning.

Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski’s grandson, Michael Savarino, was arrested Sunday morning by the North Carolina Highway Patrol and charged with DWI with Banchero in his back seat.

There was no confirmation if Savarino would be present during Tuesday's game but he was not seen during pregame warmups.

Authorities originally pulled over the vehicle — a white 2017 Jeep SUV registered to Banchero — for a stop sign violation.

Previous reporting:  Duke's Paolo Banchero, Coach K grandson Michael Savarino face DWI charges after arrest

According to an arrest report obtained from the Orange County District Court, Savarino submitted to two breathalyzer tests and blew a .08 BAC. According to the report, the arresting officer said he smelled alcohol on Savarino's breath.

Savarino was stopped for a stop sign violation while driving on Brushy Creek Road outside Hillsborough.

"He stated that he had several shots," the report read. 

North Carolina law states that aiding and abetting DWI is classified as "when a person knowingly encourages, aids, advises or instigates another person to drive, or attempt to drive, while impaired. There are numerous different behaviors that this could encompass, but the most common scenario involves a person turning their keys over to an impaired driver, and/or being present as a passenger when the driver is arrested for DWI."

The arrest was made at 1:10 a.m. Sunday by the N.C. Highway Patrol in Orange County.

“We are reviewing a legal matter involving two members of the men’s basketball team,” Krzyzewski said in a statement. “Any further actions as a result of this situation will ultimately be determined by the Vice President/Director of Athletics and UniversityBanchero is considered a top NBA prospect and is averaging 19.3 points and 8.7 rebounds in three games this season for the Blue Devils.  officials.”

The 20-year-old Savarino has a court date on Dec. 9 on his DWI charge. Banchero, 19, has a Dec. 15 court date.

Banchero was named the ACC's preseason player of the year and freshman of the year and is projected to be a potential No. 1 overall draft pick in next summer's NBA Draft.

Savarino is the son of Debbie Krzyzewski Savarino, the oldest daughter of Krzyzewski and his wife, Mickie. Debbie Savarino is an assistant athletic director at Duke.

David Thompson is an award-winning reporter for the USA Today Network covering NC State and Duke athletics. He can be reached at dthompson1@gannett.com, at 828-231-1747, or on Twitter at @daveth89.