Home » FIBA: Why is Paolo Banchero not playing for Italy?

FIBA: Why is Paolo Banchero not playing for Italy?

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Why is Paolo Banchero not playing for Italy in FIBA World Cup

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero is the latest player to commit to Team USA in the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2023. However, the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year, who has Italian blood, is being slammed by the Italian National team for opting to play for the USA instead of them. But why is Banchero not playing for Italy? Let’s dig deeper and find out the dilemma the 20-year-old NBA star is facing right now.

The Italian Basketball Federation calls out Paolo Banchero for “betrayal” and “mockery” as well as for “fooling” the country

After Paolo Banchero committed to play for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup 2023 which will be held in the Philippines, Italian Basketball Federation president Gianni Petrucci surely didn’t like this decision. Petrucci didn’t hold back and called Banchero many things. He slammed the Orlando Magic star for “betrayal” and even fooled the Italian National team that he could play for them.

“It was a legitimate decision, but he could have made a call to communicate that to us. Betrayal, especially in basketball…is a strong word. Situations like this happen, and personally, I’m used to it. But he fooled us, we were planning a great commercial strategy for him. Now we need to turn this disappointment into positive energy, I’m sure our coach will be able to do it,”. Gianni Petrucci told La Gazzetta dello Sport, an Italian Sports Publication company.

Why is Paolo Banchero opted to play for Team USA rather than Italy (the Azzurri team)?

The reigning Rookie of the Year surprised a lot of people, especially the Italians, who thought he would be suiting up for Italy’s Azzurri team in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. To those who do not know, Paolo Napoleon James Banchero was born in raised in Seattle, Washington, U.S. Both of his parents were athletes at the University of Washington where the two met. Banchero’s mother, Rhonda, is African-American while his father, Mario, is of Italian descent. In 2020, Paolo received was awarded Italian citizenship and even received an Italian passport. At the time, Banchero was already eligible to represent Italy. In 2020, he was selected as a member of the 24-man pool for Italy’s Azzuri team for the EuroBasket 2022 qualifiers. Although he did not participate, the country was expecting Banchero to wear the Italian flag in FIBA 2023. Last year, that was still the case as the 6-foot-10 forward has been reportedly communicating with the team as well as his future teammates like Nico Mannion. But, just recently, he broke all of that possibility by opting to play for Team USA instead. Banchero, however, has the option to play for either the U.S. or Italy.

 

Nobody knows for sure why he chose to play for Team USA instead of Italy. But, Grant Hill and Duke could play a part in this.

It seemed like a sure shot that Paolo Banchero will be representing Italy on the international stage sooner or later. Though it didn’t happen in the EuroBasket and in the 2020 Olympics, the whole country was anticipating Banchero’s attendance in the FIBA World Cup 2023. Back in October 2022, when asked by his then-teammate RJ Hampton during a podcast, Banchero confidently said, “Team USA? No, I’m with Italy now.”. Furthermore, in December, he met with the executive members of the Italian Basketball Federation as well as the National Team’s head coach, Gianmarco Pozzecco. It was reported that the meeting went well but Banchero will need more time to decide. Well, because of that, there were already doubts and a looming possibility that he would break his promise. And he did.

Paolo Banchero to Team Italy
Courtesy of FIBA

When he was still in high school, Banchero was already receiving support from Italy. At a very young age, the National Team has been showing interest in the rising star. But, the narrative changed when Banchero joined Duke in 2021. He immediately became a superstar with the Duke Blue Devils and was the top prospect in the 2022 NBA draft. With that, NBA legend and Duke alumni, Grant Hill, unsurprisingly started recruiting Banchero. Currently, Hill happens to be the executive director of USA Basketball. This may turn some heads and raise some eyebrows, but it seems like Grant Hill out-recruited the Italians. His influence with Banchero may have played a part in why the latter decided to play for Team USA. Well, that’s just our two cents.

On the other hand, Team USA has just one spot left before the roster is complete

After the 2023 Rookie of the Year, Paolo Banchero commits to the Men’s National team, Team USA is just one man down before they can complete their roster. There have been already 11 NBA rising stars who have committed to play in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which will be held in the Philippines. With just one spot remaining, which NBA player should fill the team that will compete on the international stage?

The current Team USA currently has a list of talented players, some of whom are All-Stars. The confirmed players are Jalen Brunson (G), Anthony Edwards (G), Tyrese Haliburton (G), Austin Reaves (G), Brandon Ingram (F), Mikal Bridges (G/F), Cam Johnson (F), Paolo Banchero (F), Jaren Jackson Jr. (F), Bobby Portis Jr. (F), Walker Kessler (F).

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