Paolo Banchero has had people question his integrity for the latest decision he made. After verbally confirming to play for Italy at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Banchero went back on his words. Amid a busy NBA offseason, Shams Charania tweeted that the Orlando Magic Forward will be donning the American nation jersey at the prestigious event later in the Summer.
Orlando’s Paolo Banchero – the NBA’s Rookie of the Year – has committed to play for Team USA’s national team at the FIBA World Cup in the Philippines this summer, sources tell me and @joevardon.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 24, 2023
It did not take much time before the decision raised eyebrows. When earlier asked to choose between Team USA and Italy, the former Duke Blue Devil revealed his desire of wanting to represent the European nation. This is exactly why Gianni Petrucci, Italian basketball federation president, couldn’t stop criticizing Paolo.
In a recent interview translated by Basketnews, Petrucci revealed that he only learned about Banchero’s decision from the headlines of newspapers. Disclosed that Paolo Banchero felt “betrayed”, Petrucci went on a passionate rant ripping apart the 2023 Rookie of the Year.
“It was a legitimate decision, but he could have made a call to communicate that to us. Instead, we learned about his decision from the newspapers,” Petrucci told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “In the past few days, he was in Milan, and despite our agreements with his agency, he avoided the meeting with Coach Pozzecco.
“Betrayal, especially in basketball, is a strong word. Situations like this happen, and personally, I’m used to it. But he fooled us, we were planning a great commercial strategy for him. Now we need to turn this disappointment into positive energy, I’m sure our coach will be able to do it,” Petrucci added.
The Italian National Team’s president called Paolo Banchero’s decision to play with Team USA a “mockery”, per @AlessandroMagg4.
😳🇺🇸🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/mPtIOFLcMm
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 26, 2023
Surely, if you are a fan of the Magic, this move from Paolo Banchero doesn’t speak too well about his loyalty. However, the 20-year-old seems to have enjoyed his rookie season at the Florida-based organization.
Who will Paolo Banchero team up with?
Despite the team being filled with a talented roster led by Kemba Walker, Team USA suffered a shocking loss against Serbia during the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Seems like the North American nation has learned from its failures in the previous edition of the World Cup. This time around, the team that has been constructed to represent the nation in the Philippines seems much more well-balanced.
From established stars to exciting young prospects, the current 11 men representing Team America are:
Brandon Ingram, Forward – New Orleans Pelicans
Mikal Bridges, Forward – Brooklyn Nets
Anthony Edwards, Guard – Minnesota Timberwolves
Jalen Brunson, Guard – New York Knicks
Tyrese Haliburton, Guard – Indiana Pacers
Jaren Jackson Jr., Forward/Center – Memphis Grizzlies
Cam Johnson, Forward – Brooklyn Nets
Paolo Banchero, Forward – Orlando Magic
Walker Kessler, Forward – Utah Jazz
Bobby Portis, Forward/Center – Milwaukee Bucks
Austin Raves, Guard – Los Angeles Lakers
It’s only about time that the announcement of the 12th roster spot is announced.
The powerhouses who can give Team USA a run for their money
Despite the shocking loss last time, Team USA heads into the tournament as the favorite to win it all. Whereas, Spain, the reigning champions, doesn’t seem to have a squad as strong as they usually do.
The likes of Serbia, Greece, and Canada have gained a lot of eyeballs. 2-time MVPs Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo will be leading their respective European nations. On the other hand, Canada seems to have a lineup like never before. A title-contending squad containing the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks, and potentially Andrew Wiggins, is being considered the second-most talented team.
The 2023 World Cup promises to be an entertaining watch. Will Team USA live up to the expectations and be crowned champions or will we witness yet another upset?
