Michael Savarino is one of the most recognizable names in college basketball and is working hard to make his name just like his grandfather, Mike Krzyzewski.
Savarino is one of the key players for the NYU Violets Men’s basketball team, where he plays the point guard position. He tallied the first double of his career against Hunter College on December 12, 2022, scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Previously, he played for Duke Blue Devil men’s basketball, averaging 11.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks during the 2020-2021 season.
Michael was awarded NCCA’s Elite 90 Award for the men’s basketball team; fame is given to the Division I athlete who scored the highest grade point average out of all given times of the 9- NCCA championships.
Savarino joined the Duke men’s basketball team in the 2020-21 season. He made his debut against North Carolina and scored his first career point in the ACC Tournament win over Boston College.
Want to know more about him? This article collected essential information about the young basketball player, including early life, family, career, and much more.
Before all that, let’s have a look at his quick facts.
Michael Savarino | Quick Facts
Full Name | Michael Giovanni Savarino |
Known as | Michael Savarino |
Birth Date | March 26, 2001 |
Birth Place | Durham, North Carolina |
Religion | Christianity |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Caucasian/White |
Education | New York University
Duke University Durham Academy |
Horoscope | Aries |
Father’s Name | Peter Savarino |
Mother’s Name | Debbie Savarino |
Siblings | Three, including Two Sisters, Emmie and Carly, and One Brother, Joey |
Age | 23 Years Old |
Height | 6’0″/1.82 m/182 cm |
Weight | 82 kg/182 lbs |
Eye Color | Brown |
Hair Color | Dark Blonde |
Body type | Mesomorph |
Profession | Basketball Player |
Relationship Status | Mingle |
Career Active | 2017-present |
Position | Point Guard, Shooting Guard |
Sports team | NYC Violets |
Coach | Dave Klatsky |
Honors | Elite 90 Award (2022)
NCCA Division I Player of the Year (2016), NCAA Division I Player of the Year (2017) |
Net Worth | $2 million |
Social Media | Instagram, Twitter |
Last Update | October, 2024 |
Michael Savarino | Early Life, Family, And Education
Michael Giovanni Savarino was born on March 26, 2001, in Durham, North Carolina, to the supporting parent’s Peter Savarino Krzyzewski and Debbie Savarino.
His father, Peter, is a former basketball player, while his mother, Debbie, is an assistant director of athletics at Duke University.
She also works with all-special events involving the Duke and Durham communities, like annual team poster production, maintaining relationships with the children’s hospitals, The Emily K Center, and The Jimmy V Foundation.
Savarino shared his childhood memories with his three siblings, including two sisters, Emmie and Carly, and one brother, Joey. They all grew up in Durham, North Carolina, famous for its medicine and healthcare.
Michael has been very close to his grandparents, Mike and Mickie Krzyzewski, from a very young age.
He completed his high school at Durham Academy, averaging 7.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.
Michael Savarino’s Relation With His Grandfather Mike Krzyzewski
Michael has a close relationship with his grandfather Mike Krzyzewski. He has reaped the benefits of being Krzyzewski’s grandson, from attending two national championships to countless Duke games.
Mike trained his grandson to become the best in every game since childhood. Michael got the opportunity to pursue a career in basketball because he came from a well-known sports family.
Having the playing style in the sports field gives an advantage. He is fortunate to play for his college basketball team since his granddad took him under his wing.
Savarino’s play at Duke grabbed the attention after a strong summer with CENA (N.C), where he averaged 15 points, five rebounds, and four assist a game.
Michael Savarino | Basketball Career Stats Is Brilliant
Michael Savarino began his basketball career at Durham Academy in North Carolina. He captained the Cavaliers’ Varsity boy’s team twice during his high school career.
Savarino’s career free-throw percentage was 91 percent, and his three-point percentage was 35 percent. Also, he appeared in 87 games throughout three seasons, averaging 7 points and three rebounds in his final three seasons.
During the 2018/19 season, Michael guided the Cavaliers’ Varsity squad to a 28-4 triumph. He averaged 7.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game in his final year at Durham Academy.
After graduating high school, Michael opted to prepare for the collegiate basketball selection process in 2020. Later, he debuted against North Carolina (3/6) and played one minute.
While hauling down a rebound, Savarino scored his first career point on a free throw. He also assisted in the ACC Tournament, which Boston College won by a score of 3:9.
Following his first two seasons as a walk-on, Michael was awarded a scholarship at Duke University in August 2021. In addition, he played three minutes versus Army by 11/12, securing an attacking rebound.
Savarino hit a three-pointer in four minutes of action against South Carolina State. He then made one of two three-point attempts for three points and two rebounds in four minutes against Elon on gameday 12/18.
Later, he earned his undergraduate degree in sociology from Duke in August 2022 and enrolled at New York University as a graduate transfer for 2022-2023.
Michael Savarino | Criticism Of Nepotism
Michael’s impact on every amateur basketball game amazed his grandfather, Mike Krzyzewski.
As a result, he decided to welcome him to the Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team, which turned out to be the best decision. However, many were dissatisfied with Mike’s choice and accused him of favoritism and nepotism.
On the other hand, Michael came into the limelight after his selection to Duke University. He and his grandfather mostly got involved in every Duke Blue Devils game.
Savarino proved himself as a formidable competitor during his college basketball games. Also, many people started to proclaim that he should be on the squad.
NCAA Division I league representatives said Michael is equally eligible among other young talents. He got interested in playing for the Dukes, not because of his granddad’s recommendation but by his willingness.
A Big Deal For Michael Savarino
It was a significant event for Michael Savarino when he scored his first field goal in Cameron Indoor Stadium. Moreover, he is a rising basketball sensation among his Duke University teammates.
He further said that there was more to come on the way. It was an extraordinary moment for his family and friends who supported him from his Durham Academy days.
He says his grandfather, Mike, is “a source of inspiration and true coach.”
Michael revealed that his grandfather was strict during the basketball practice session at Duke University. He also proclaims that he always does the right thing for the team and its players to learn and grow.
After many hardships, Savarino’s grandfather says he and his team were lucky to welcome him to the squad. He has become a true sportsman because of his learning enthusiasm for basketball.
Michael Savarino | Net Worth And Salary
Michael Savarino has a net worth of $2 million. He reportedly makes an average earning of $33.4 thousand per year as a college basketball player.
Michael’s grandfather, Mike, boasts $45 million as a lucrative net worth.
As a basketball head coach at Duke University, he earns $9.7 million as an annual base salary. Likewise, he accumulated total earnings of $40 million throughout his coaching career.
Michael Savarino | Social Media Presence
Michael is active on various social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. His social media post mostly features pictures and videos from his basketball games.
Instagram: 11.2k followers
View this post on Instagram
Twitter: 2690 followers
Michael Savarino | Popularity Graph
Savarino is very popular among basketball fans, all thanks to his fantastic career at Duke Blue Devils and Durham Academy.
Now, he is on the way to making his name at NYU Violets Men’s basketball team.
Michael Savarino | FAQs
What is Michael Savarino’s current basketball team?
Michael Savarino has been playing as a point guard for the Duke Blue Devil men’s basketball team since his debut in 2021.
How old is Michael Savarino’s Grandfather, Mike Krzyzewski?
Coach Krzyzewski is about 74 years old (February 13, 1947) with 56 years of basketball experience.
Why was Michael Savarino arrested?
Recently in November 2021, Michael Savarino was arrested by N.C. Highway Patrol after drinking alcohol under 21 and a stop sign violation.
He was driving a 2017 Jeep SUV registered to Paolo Banchero, with Banchero as a passenger in the vehicle’s backseat.
Later with the blood test, Savarino’s blood alcohol content was 0.08.