Paolo Banchero is seeking to repair his relationship with Italy after choosing to represent Team USA at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, despite previously committing to play for Italy.
Orlando Magic star forward Paolo Banchero is trying to mend his relationship with Italy and its basketball fans.
"I hope the relationship between us can be rebuilt," Banchero said, via Corriere dello Sport. "Obviously, I know there was some bad blood after my decision to play in the World Cup for the USA.
"We played against Italy, and I heard some boos and things like that," he added. "I know how the Italian fans feel about me, and I hope we can recover one day. I am still on good terms with the coach and some of the players."
Banchero, 23, was once very close to representing Italy at the international level. In 2020, after a lengthy bureaucratic process, the Italian Basketball Federation helped him obtain an Italian passport.
At the time, Banchero shared photos with the Italian flag, added the tricolor to his Instagram bio, and publicly stated his desire to play for the Azzurri. However, his stance later changed.
Credit AP - Scanpix
Selected first overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Banchero quickly established himself as a star, winning Rookie of the Year honors.
Even during his rookie season, he continued to suggest that he planned to make his international debut for Italy at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Instead, when the tournament arrived, Banchero suited up for Team USA.
In June 2023, just weeks before the World Cup tipped off, his agent revealed the final decision.
Italian Basketball Federation president Gianni Petrucci later called the situation a "mockery," noting that Banchero had not personally informed him or head coach Gianmarco Pozzecco of his choice.
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