Beaten in the quarter-finals of the last EuroBasket, Italy could bulge out in the coming months. Indeed, according to EuroHoops the Squadra Azzurra would currently do the necessary for Paolo Banchero to join the selection, and everything could go in the direction of the 2023 World Cup next August.
A little Paolo in FIBA competitions, who says no?
Author of a fabulous start to his career in the NBA, the rookie of the Magic is essential among the pros and it is not to displease the leaders of the Italian selection. A few weeks ago we were telling you about Paolo’s desire to play for the Italian jersey, he whose father is half-American half-Italian. Solid foundations had already existed for some time, they are only being cemented at the moment.
Indeed, like our colleagues from EuroHoops relayed this week, official representatives of the Italian federation made the trip to America to speak with the crack of the Magic. The idea? Continue to move in the right direction while having the next major international competition in sight: the 2023 World Cup.
Orlando Magic player Paolo Banchero recently met with official members of the Italian Basketball Federation, as well as national team coach Gianmarco Pozzecco. Once again, Banchero reaffirmed his desire to play for the Azzurri. The 20-year-old Banchero has reserved the right to possibly confirm his arrival in the Italian national team at the end of the 2022-23 NBA season. His decision will depend on his individual situation like that of his NBA franchise, in a few months.
Paolo Banchero at the 2023 World Cup? It’s more than possible.
Many fell in love with the Italian team during the last Euro, under the banners of Simone Fontecchio and the explosions of Gianmarco Pozzecco. You add the Magic rookie to it? And we may have a team to watch more closely on the European scene. Of course, Orlando’s management will have to agree with Paolo on his decision, but it’s hard to believe that they will prevent Banchero from representing his country.
In 18 NBA games, Paolo averaged 21.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists.
As a reminder, the 2023 World Cup will take place from August 25 to September 10, 2023, in Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan.
Source : Eurohoops