Paolo Banchero slammed for choosing Team USA over Italy: 'He fooled us'

Once upon a time, Paolo Banchero was all set to represent Italy in international basketball. In 2022, Banchero signaled his intent to play for the country he represented in youth basketball -- and where he has family, on his father's side.

But that all changed last week, when Banchero accepted an invite fo play for the United States at the FIBA World Cup this summer -- a decision that has not gone down well in his country of origin.

Banchero's decision a "mockery"

Although Banchero himself was born in Seattle, his father Mario is of Italian descent, and the 20-year-old does have an Italian passport. But after the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year talked about committing his international future to the Azzurri, Banchero's decision to backtrack has been met with backlash across the Atlantic.

"It was a legitimate decision, but he could have made a call to communicate that to us. Instead, we learned about his decision from the newspapers," Italian basketball federation president Gianni Petrucci said.

Petrucci revealed that Banchero had been in Milan recently but ducked meeting with the national team's coach -- an indication that his head was elsewhere.

"Betrayal, especially in basketball, is a strong word," Petrucci continued. "Situations like this happen, and personally, I'm used to it. But he fooled us, we were planning a great commercial strategy for him."

Banchero faces an uphill battle with Team USA

Banchero easily could have been the face of Italian basketball for years to come -- but his choice to join Team USA, and play with many of the world's top players, makes sense for the rising NBA star.

However, Banchero faces a battle for playing time at the FIBA World Cup, which begins Aug. 25. Banchero will compete with Mikal Bridges, Brandon Ingram, and Jaren Jackson, Jr. for minutes at forward, while Cam Johnson and Bobby Portis will also provide a stern test for the Orlando Magic's budding superstar.

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