Βy Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
With Paolo Banchero picking the US national team over the Italian national team, Darius Thompson, a EuroLeague standout last season with Baskonia, is expected to take his position as the naturalized player of the roster.
Thompson’s wife is Italian, and he is expected to get an Italian passport soon.
As Italian Basketball Federation president Gianni Petrucci said to the Italian newspaper “La Gazzetta dello Sport”, Thompson is expected to be part of the Italian national team training camp and it will be up to the coaches to pick him for the roster, an easy decision considering his abilities.
Of course, with him having an Italian passport, his value on the market for Italian EuroLeague teams is higher than ever and Milan is interested in him.
“Betrayal is a strong word, I consider it a mockery”
Petrucci also talked about Banchero stating the obvious: “When he understood his value within the NBA, the romantic aspect ended. In recent days, he was in Milan and, despite the commitments made by his agency to meet us, he avoided any contact with (ed.note: national team coach) Pozzecco”.
Speaking about the stance of Bancero who until a few months ago was stating that he would like to play for Italy, Petrucci added: “Betrayal is a strong word, these situations happen in sports and I personally am prepared for them. I consider it a mockery.”