Sixteen years later Andrea Bargnani, another Italian is called as number one at NBA draft, the system of rebalancing of the values of American basketball which allows teams that have done worse the previous season to choose the best young people out of college. They Orlando Magicentitled to make the very first name, have decided to focus on Paolo Banchero, great wing class 2002, born in Seattle but with clear Ligurian origins.
He took the stage of the Barclay’s Center with a vibrant purple designer dress Dolce & Gabbanacolor homage to University of Washington where they met the parents, at his side on this very important day: Rhonda Smithmom, was a professional basketball champion, best maker all-time of the university, while Mario Bancherothe dad, is a former American football player, now at the helm of one historic butcher’s shop.
Paolo shakes hands with the commissioner, Adam Silver, then puts on the Magic hat. “We are beyond the dream»Says the former star of the gods Duke Blue Devils, with which this year it came up to Final Four NCAA. «I was hoping to be able to play in the NBA, of course, but I never imagined I would become the absolute first choice to the draft. This is the best time of my life, I had never cried until tonight. I’ll give my all for my team ».
IS very exciting. The conspicuous is fixed silver necklace with its initial and its number, P5combined with a pair of shoes even more sparkling. «The comparison with Bargnani? It is not very fair towards him, I was born and raised in United States», Concluded the young basketball player. “I am anyway proud of my roots and of represent Italy in the NBA“. And soon, hopefully already in one dozen monthswill also wear the blue tank top.
Yes why in the summer of 2020 he finally got it dual citizenship which will allow him to play with the national team of coach Pozzecco. «I repeat that it will happenHe confirmed to the Gazzetta dello Sport. “Indeed, I want to thank the Italian fans who have supported me throughout the season making me feel their affection“. A passport that in a recent commercial he proudly showedputting it in the suitcase in front of the US one.
In the beautiful country has never been yet, but assures that he will soon travel with his dad to find out something extra on that magical land from which, at the beginning of Twentieth centuryhis great-grandparents left looking for a job, as farmers and in coal mines. On his Instagram page stands out one flagand it is tricolor: “Hello Italy, we will see each other soon“.
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Source: Vanity Fair
