After exchanging pleasantries with players from Slovenia, Gigi Datome returned to his team’s side of the court and embraced his teammates one by one, culminating in a fervent call for the entire team to unite in a tearful, heartfelt group hug.
Datome shared an intense, emotional moment with his head coach Gianmarco Pozzeco, who grasped him firmly after the huddle, and then he met Slovenia coach Aleksander Sekulic at the scorer’s table.
The 35-year-old Italian legend then turned to the crowd one final time in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, savoring the fleeting seconds on the court, a bittersweet encore before reluctantly retreating to the bench, with the ticking clock mercilessly counting down—three minutes and twenty-six seconds, a countdown to the end.
At that crucial juncture, Italy found themselves trailing Slovenia by a solitary point, 79-78. As Datome sat at the end of the Azzurri’s bench, all five players who remained on the court summoned every ounce of their strength and resolve to craft a final chapter worthy of their captain’s storied career.
Yet, the cruel final buzzer rang out and the Italians, despite pouring their very souls into those final moments, succumbed to the relentless Slovenians, 89-85, a bitter pill to swallow.
The loss marked the somber conclusion of Italy’s valiant campaign in the World Cup.
But for the Azzurri, it was more than a defeat; it signified the end of an era. Their captain, who had sacrificed and bled for the national team since the tender age of 14, now saw his illustrious basketball career punctuated by this agonizing loss.
“Today was very emotional, of course. I hope this is why I played so badly,” said Datome in jest during the post-game press conference. “Of course, we were trying to finish with a win; also, it’s an important game.
“My teammates played hard and tried everything to try to make me finish with a win,” added the former Euroleague champion.
While it undoubtedly pained his teammates not to send him off with a triumphant farewell, Datome bore no ill will.
Over nearly two decades in the sport, he had learned that victory, though sweet, wasn’t the sole measure of success.
For him, competing at the highest echelons of the sport, battling head-to-head with the world’s best, held greater significance. And that’s precisely what Italy had showcased throughout their campaign on the global stage.
“Regardless, after many years, I’ve learned that it’s not the most important thing in our lives. So, as the captain, I’m proud of this team for what we did,” said Datome, who finished with a point and two rebounds.
“I think we showed that we could compete at the highest level; only against the USA that we couldn’t compete because I think they were way better than us, but we competed with Dominicana, Serbia, Latvia, Slovenia; we’ve beaten good teams,” he continued.
“So I’m proud of my teammates, and I’m grateful also for my teammates because they treated me so well this summer. They made me feel special; it was really one of the best summers of my life just because these guys are so special to me.”
When asked if he harbored any regrets about retiring, the former Boston Celtics forward revealed that one of the most gratifying aspects of his decision was the absence of regrets.
Datome pointed out that few players had the privilege he now enjoyed—to leave the sport on his own terms. The fact that he could still grace the FIBA World Cup stage at his age was the icing on the cake, a testament to his enduring passion.
“One of the best things is I have no regrets. It was my choice; nobody forced me to make this choice. I was healthy enough to keep on playing; I had an offer from Milan to keep on playing, but I think it’s a good moment to step out,” said the former Detroit Piston.
“So, nothing. That’s why I also feel grateful because not many players could decide when to go out or to do it at this age with the national team; being captain, it’s an honor. So I feel lucky, and I feel very good with myself. This is, I think, maybe the most important thing when you finish playing.”
Though Datome may have departed the court with a loss, his legacy will endure in Italian basketball.
His teammates, coaches, and fans will remember him as a true champion, a warrior who poured his heart and soul into the sport of basketball, and most profoundly, into the soul of Italy.
