Paolo Banchero is among the many young players who declared themselves available for Team USA in the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
While many Americans cheered this decision, the Italian Basketball Federation had the opposite reaction and said they felt fooled by the 2023 Rookie of the Year.
Read more: Spurs Super Rookie Begs off France's Bid in FIBA World Cup
The reaction stems from Banchero's initial commitment to play for Italy. He has an Italian passport and received Italian citizenship in 2020 due to his father's ancestry.
"Betrayal, especially in basketball, is a strong word," Italian basketball federation president Gianni Petrucci said through La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Situations like this happen, and personally, I'm used to it. But he fooled us, we were planning a great commercial strategy for him. Now we need to turn this disappointment into positive energy, I'm sure our coach will be able to do it."
Banchero's original plan
The Orlando Magic's young star first intended to play for the European basketball team in 2022. He even categorically said that he has plans to wear the Italian colors.
"I'm planning to play for the Italian national team, I'm not sure when," Banchero said in October last year.
"I haven't been out there yet, but man, the amount of love I'm getting from there it's crazy, man. It's crazy. I can't wait to go to Italy".
The NBA player did not say anything about why he chose the USA, and the Italian team, through its president, said they are now ready to move on.
Banchero and the rest of Team USA remain title favorites in the biggest stage of basketball, which will take place from August 25 to September 10, to be hosted by Japan, Philippines, and Indonesia.
Related article: Magic's Paolo Banchero Headlines 2023 All-Rookie Team
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