Paolo Banchero and Team USA are slated for a crucial matchup against Italy on Tuesday morning in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Following the United States’s loss against Lithuania, failure to secure a win against Italy would see Team USA eliminated from the tournament.
In addition to the potential elimination, there’s a little extra on the line for Banchero, who, prior to the World Cup, had walked back his commitment to play for Team Italy, opting instead to play for Team USA.
During a media address at practice on Monday, via Eurohoops, Banchero was asked if he had a message for Italian fans, to which he bluntly said, “No.”
The 20-year-old said he would be treating Tuesday’s matchup against Italy “like any other game.”
Banchero had a verbal commitment to represent Italy at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, but backed out in June in order to join the U.S. squad. That decision led to Italian Basketball Federation president, Gianni Petrucci labeling his decision as a “joke” and a “betrayal.”
The forward, who was the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA draft by the Magic, became an Italian citizen in 2020. He had intended to represent the nation in the Tokyo Olympics, however COVID-19 prevented him from doing so, which left the door open for him to play for Team USA.
During the loss to Lithuania, Banchero had six points, two rebounds, and two assists while logging 17 minutes on the floor.
