Reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero will represent Team USA at this summer’s FIBA World Cup in the Philippines, The Athletic reported Saturday.
this orlando magic The striker, who was born in the US but holds an Italian passport, has previously said he will represent Italy at the tournament, which kicks off in Manila on August 25
Banchero was the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and the 11th American professional player to be selected to the roster.
The 6-foot-10, 20-year-old Banchero is averaging 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 72 games (all starts) for Orlando in 2022-23.
The U.S. team, coached by Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, will begin training camp on Aug. 3 in Las Vegas.
Players who previously joined the team include Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Brandon Ingram, Jalen Jackson, Tom Johnson, Walker Kessler, Bobby Portis and Austin Reeves.
Spain are the defending champions of the 2019 FIBA World Cup, with Argentina finishing second and France finishing third. The five-time champion United States lost to France in the quarterfinals.
— On-site media