The performances of the Italian-American Paolo Banchero, first choice in this year’s NBA Draft, are nothing short of sensational in the first games in the American league. Despite this, the process of adapting to NBA basketball is never easy, even for a phenomenal rookie. What are the hardest aspects of transitioning from college basketball to the NBA? We ask Banchero right after his match at New York’s Madison Square Garden. «I would say travels more than anything else – he explains -. When you play you have to be able to rest, take care of your body, you have to make sure you eat and stay hydrated. This was the biggest change: having to take care of all these details ».
When asked about the choice to which he will be called between an American or an Italian national, he replies diplomatically: «Right now I’m playing for the Magic and I’m focused on that. I’m very proud. Proud to have the name I have, to be an Italian citizen. There were Italian fans tonight and it was nice to hear their support ». Could his extraordinary performances lead him to dream of the stars and stripes jersey instead of the tricolor? Who could blame him? After all, despite the non-American MVP boom in recent years, Team USA is still the Olympus of world basketball.
What does his coach Jamahl Mosley say about Banchero’s debut in the NBA? “I am very happy with its start. He can improve a lot and he wants to learn. He is doing the right things: he is studying the game, he is developing chemistry with his teammates. He can go very high ». even his teammates do nothing but praise him: «I like the fact that he is not afraid – says Bol Bol -. He plays aggressively. From the start we told him that given the way he manages to get to free throws, no one can stop him. And they are easy points for him. And the more he pulls the more his confidence increases. He will continue to grow »adds the American-Sudanese player. “Playing with Paolo has been incredible so far.”
October 25, 2022 – Updated October 25, 2022, 12:09 pm
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