Banchero was initially confident that he'd represent Italy but ultimately chose Team USA.
After being torn between two large basketball camps, Orlando Magic's forward Paolo Banchero has chosen which country he'd like to represent internationally.
Paolo Banchero
| Team: |
Orlando Magic |
| Position: | PF |
| Age: | 20 |
| Height: | 208 cm |
| Weight: | 113 kg |
| Birth place: | United States of America |
According to Shams Charania from The Athletic, the 20-year-old has chosen to represent Team USA on the international stage.
From the moment when he was drafted 1st overall in 2022, two teams - Italy and USA - have been fighting for Banchero's commitment. Initially, it appeared that the player would choose Italy.
"I'll be playing for the national team. Probably not this summer but the following," he said after the draft about the possibility of representing Italy.
However, Team USA made a strong push throughout the season. Interestingly, Banchero was born in Seattle and has never even visited Italy in his life, he once revealed.
Banchero becomes the 11th player to commit to Team USA. Previously, Cam Johnson, Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Brandon Ingram, Jaren Jackson Jr., Walker Kessler, Bobby Portis, and Austin Reaves have expressed their intention to represent the country in August.
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