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NBA Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero ‘commits to Team USA for FIBA World Cup in Philippines’ despite previously saying he’d represent Italy
- Banchero, 20, was born to an American mother and an Italian father in the US
- He once posed with the Italian flag, stating his desire to play for his dad’s nation
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Paolo Banchero – the NBA’s Rookie of the Year – is reportedly set to represent Team USA at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, despite previously stating that he’d play for Italy in the past.
The Orlando Magic’s star forward, 20, is committing to hoop for his country of birth in the Philippines this summer, according to The Athletic. Banchero is American through his mother but also holds Italian citizenship through his father.
He was given an Italian passport in early 2020 so that he could represent the Azzurri in the Tokyo Olympics but that opportunity never came back around following the delay of the sporting event due to COVID.
Still, Banchero spoke about the prospect of playing for Italy afterwards, telling La Gazette dello Sport in June of 2022: ‘This summer I won’t be able to play with the national team, but next summer, I will be there,’ talking about Team Italy at the World Cup.
He once even posed for a snap with an Italian flag and told ex-Magic teammate R.J. Hampton that ‘I am with Italy now’ on a podcast.
Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero has committed to Team USA over Italy for the World Cup
Banchero, 20, previously stated that he’d represent the Azzurri in the Philippines this summer
Nonetheless, Banchero will now link up with other Team USA roster members in Las Vegas on August 3, according to The Athletic. The US’ first game at the World Cup will be played in Manila on August 26.
The Star and Stripes, ranked No. 2 worldwide, per FIBA, qualified for the tournament by topping their group with five wins out of six games against Mexico, Puerto Rico and Cuba.
Over the years, the next generation of American talent has been put together by managing director and former seven-time All-Star forward, Grant Hill, coach Steve Kerr and general manager Sean Ford. Kerr is also a four-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors.
Spain is the defending FIBA World Cup champion, with USA crashing out in the quarters in ’19
Banchero will be joining a stacked Team USA roster that includes 2023 All-Stars Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton, Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson, former All-Star (2020) Brandon Ingram, promising stars Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Austin Reaves.
Bucks center Bobby Portis, All-rookie selection Walker Kessler and Nets ford Cam Johnson are also in the squad.
In his rookie season in the NBA, Banchero averaged 20 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists with the 34-48 overall Magic.
Spain is the defending FIBA World Cup champion, with Argentina finishing second and France third at the 2019 competition in China.
Team USA, a five-time winner of the event, lost to France in the quarterfinals.
