Gilas PIlipinas will have one less problem for the FIBA World Cup 2023’s group stage.
Paolo Banchero will not join Italy for the global meet, instead committing to USA Basketball as his federation.
The Athletics’ Shams Charania bared the development on Saturday evening (Manila time).
This ends the Italian Basketball Federation’s long wait on Banchero.
Back in 2020, Banchero, who is of Italian decent, received his Italian passport and was eligible for the European nation.
Cannot afford to wait, Italy did not include Banchero in its extended pool last April.
In his rookie year with Orlando, Paolo, who is the cousin of Meralco guard Chris, averaged 19.96 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.74 assists. The 6-foot-10 forward was the runaway winner for Rookie of the Year.
Italy is slotted with the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, and Angola in Group A while Group C will have the USA, Jordan, Greece, and New Zealand.
USA Basketball’s lineup for the World Cup which takes place from August 25 to September 25 is headlined by all-stars Brandon Ingram, Anthony Edwards, and Tyrese Haliburton.
Completing the lineup so far are Mikal Bridges, Bobby Portis, Austin Reaves, Jalen Brunson, Jaren Jackson Jr., Walker Kessler, and Cam Johnson.
