By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Last night’s exhibition game between Italy and Holland in Trento won’t be fondly remembered by Danilo Gallinari.
After being pushed back by Dutch player Jito Kok in an attempt to grab a rebound following a free throw, the L.A. Clippers forward reacted by punching his opponent and injuring himself in the process.
The result of his full swing? A fractured right-hand metacarpal bone and a 40-day rehabilitation period that keeps him out of the EuroBasket floors.
“It was just a mistake, especially since I end up hurting myself, unfortunately. I’m extra sorry for my teammates to whom I apologize,” Gallinari said to Italian news agency ANSA. I repeat, my teammates didn’t deserve all this. Now I have to keep my hand steady for a while and stay home. Then, when the rehabilitation ends, I’ll get back to L.A.”
Gallinari’s absence is a major blow for the Italian national team that marches to the EuroBasket with podium ambitions. In the previous edition of the tournament, “Galo” averaged 17.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.