Paolo Banchero and the National rebus: “I will decide at the end of the season.”

“I try to live this situation day by day, without stressing, to make the best decision possible.”

Protagonist of an excellent start to the season with the Orlando Magic jersey, Paolo Banchero does not seem to feel too much pressure from being selected as the first overall pick in the Draft-a responsibility that in the past has contributed in no small part to crushing other young talents referred to as surefire NBA basketball stars.

Interviewed by La Gazzetta dello Sport two days after the meeting that took place between the player and the staff of the Italian national team in view of his possible call-up with the Italy jersey, the Seattle native center spoke in enthusiastic terms about the first real confrontation he had with the world of Italbasket.

“The meeting went really very well. It was very nice to meet Pozzecco and the general manager of the national team: they explained to me several things about the team, how they work and how they plan to use me. It was very interesting, I only know one or two players on the National Team, so they explained several things to me and told me about other elements of the team,” Banchero began.

“Me in an Italy jersey? I hope it can happen. Some situations have changed from some time ago, so I have to make a decision. I am evaluating all my options to understand well what I will have to do. The World Cup remains a great goal, and I would be honored to be able to play it, but I cannot know what will happen between now and a few months. I try to live this situation day by day, without stressing, to make the best decision possible. I will decide at the end of the season,” he concluded.