Datome: “After 17 years I deserve some rest”

2017-09-14T12:10:40+00:00 2017-09-14T12:14:49+00:00.

Aris Barkas

14/Sep/17 12:10

Eurohoops.net

Italian national team captain Gigi Datome is one of the EuroLeague stars which will not play at least during 2018 for their national team.

By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net

As he explained after the defeat by Serbia in the Eurobasket quarterfinals, he needs to rest after being a member of the Italian national teams at every level for 17 years.

“I am proud for this Eurobasket and reaching the quarterfinals”, Datome said. “For me, the national team is a pleasure, not a sacrifice. However next summer I intend to rest. After 17 straight years with the national team, I think I deserve it”.

While there’s no major FIBA tournament scheduled for next summer, Datome, as a member of the EuroLeague champs Fenerbahce, is not expected to play in the World Cup qualification games.

(Photo credit: FIBA.basketball)

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