By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
With the training camp underway and celebrating his 34th birthday, Danilo Gallinari discussed representing Italy in the 2022 EuroBasket and playing for the Boston Celtics in the next NBA season.
“Training camp is going well. We started a few days ago and in a span of a few weeks must be ready for EuroBasket,” he told Italian outlet Sky Sport painting the picture of the preparations, “I can say that the first practices were very intense.”
The team coached by Gianmarco Pozzecco will host Estonia, Greece, Ukraine, Croatia, and Great Britain between 2-8 September aiming to clinch a berth in the next round of EuroBasket to be held in Berlin, Germany. Also part of the August international window, Italy will be up against Ukraine and Georgia kicking off Group L of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
“There are many very strong teams carrying multiple NBA players,” he said referring to Italy’s competition in EuroBasket, “We will have to be amazing and maybe exceed expectations. But a team like ours has been successful in the past and we can be again.”
The veteran of two EuroBasket tournaments is heading to the Boston Celtics after inking a two-year, $13.3M contract in July.
“The goal is the ring with Boston,” he went into his next NBA challenge, “Despite being in the NBA for 14 years, I feel excited for the next chapter in my career. As long as I can feel the excitement, I don’t want to stop.”
“At the Celtics, there are definitely many responsibilities and expectations,” he added, “I have already talked with many of my new teammates and members of the coaching staff. They can’t wait to get back in action, there is great enthusiasm. Some are already there. Myself, I am focused on Italy, and after I will focus on the Celtics.”
Gallinari, 34, is expected to feature for Italy in Friday’s friendly encounter against France in Bologna. The first prep game ahead of the next batch of World Cup Qualifiers and the EuroBasket.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL