The day after posting the Italian flag on social networks, Paolo Banchero has finally decided to wear the American jersey at the 2023 World Cup. Despite his declarations, the Magic winger has chosen the United States over Italy, and he is already integrated into the workforce of USA team.
On the Italian side, we did our best to persuade him to choose Italy, but the Rookie Of The Year did not seem to have the guts to announce his decision one-on-one. “It was a legitimate decision, but he could have called us to let us know. Instead, we learned of his decision from the newspapers,” regrets Gianni Petrucci, questioned by The Gazzetta dello Sport. “When he realized his value in the NBA, the romantic aspect ended. In recent days, he was in Milan and, despite the commitments made by his agency to meet us, he avoided any contact with Pozzecco (note: the coach of Italy). »
A farce more than a betrayal
Following this decision, the President of the Italian federation assures that he has already initiated a plan B with the option of Darius Thompson as a naturalized player. However, does he feel betrayed by Banchero?
“Betrayal, especially in basketball, is a strong word. Situations like this happen, and personally, I’m used to it. I consider it a joke… But he cheated on us, and we had planned a good business strategy for him. Now we need to turn that disappointment into positive energy, and I’m sure our coach can do that.”
| Paolo Banchero | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2022-23 | ENT | 72 | 34 | 42.7 | 29.8 | 73.8 | 1.2 | 5.7 | 6.9 | 3.7 | 2.2 | 0.8 | 2.8 | 0.5 | 20.0 |
| Total | 72 | 34 | 42.7 | 29.8 | 73.8 | 1.2 | 5.7 | 6.9 | 3.7 | 2.2 | 0.8 | 2.8 | 0.5 | 20.0 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
