NBA, Banchero: “When Team USA pressures you…But I have nothing against Italy”

After the long soap opera that ended without the happy summer ending for the Italian national team, Paolo Banchero defends not so much the more than legitimate choice of having opted for Team USA, but the management, also on a human and media level, of the whole affair. “Honestly I tried to manage it in the best possible way – the Orlando player tells the Gazzetta – the news was given by others before I could do it and unfortunately from this point of view I had no control of the situation. But after the match against Italy in Manila I had the opportunity to talk to some coaches and players and it was very nice, the best way to close the whole affair. I stopped especially with my friend Riccardo (Fois, Pozzecco’s assistant and Assistant coach at Arizona), moreover his Arizona has just beaten my Duke, so he also had the opportunity in recent days to make fun of me. The guys on the blue staff are super people and I have great respect for them.”

THE REASONS

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In fact, the former Duke star had no control over Shams Charania’s famous tweet last June 24 announcing Banchero’s yes to USA Basketball. The problem, however, comes from his silence after the announcement and the total lack of communication with the Italian federation. As if the promises, both public and private, made in the last 18 months had no value. “It was a difficult decision and unfortunately I was only able to choose one team – continues Banchero – the December meeting with the national team leaders had gone very well, I also had the opportunity to meet the coach (Pozzecco), after the All Star Game, however, Team USA started to put pressure on me and in the end I had to make a complicated decision. However, I would like to underline that I still love the Italian fans, for whom I have great respect, I hope that it is mutual.”

PARIS KNOT

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The World Cup played with the stars and stripes shirt was not lucky for Banchero with a team that failed across the board and which now, with Paris 2024 in mind, will be completely renewed. “The Olympics is something different – concludes Paolo Banchero – there will be several players who want to return to the national team, let’s see what happens, I would certainly be happy to be part of the team, but I’m not too worried. Right now I’m only interested in my season with the Magic. However, I must say that the experience at the World Championships was very beautiful from my point of view. I was able to meet exceptional players and create a great group with them. I am very happy to have given my availability for that competition.”