Global Courant
After initially committing to play for the Italian national team at this year’s FIBA World Cup, Paolo Banchero has since decided to play for Team USA.
The Orlando Magic star has dual citizenship in the US and Italy – his father is of Italian descent and he got an Italian passport in 2020.
With the change of heart, Gianni Petrucci, the president of the Italian basketball federation, says that Banchero left him blindsided.
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Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta on December 19, 2022. (Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
“Betrayal, especially in basketball, is a strong word. This kind of situation happens, and personally I am used to it. But he fooled us, we were planning a great commercial strategy for him,” Petrucci told the Italian publication. La Gazzetta dello Sport on Sunday.
“It was a legitimate decision, but (Banchero) could have called and communicated that to us,” Petrucci said, according to a translation of Basket news. “Instead, we heard about his decision from the newspapers.”
Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic in action during the first quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 24, 2022 in New York City. (Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
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Petrucci says the No. 1 overall pick of 2020 had recently been in Italy, and he would have taken the news better if Banchero had personally told him about his decision.
“Banchero was in Milan for the last few days and despite our arrangements with his agency, he avoided meeting with coach Pozzecco,” said Petrucci. “Now we have to turn this disappointment into positive energy. I’m sure our coach will succeed.”
Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center on November 28, 2022 in New York City. (Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
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The FIBA World Cup kicks off on August 25 in Manila, Philippines, and Team USA will be led by Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
