In a move that has sent ripples of anticipation through the Italian basketball community, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo has officially been granted Italian citizenship. The announcement, confirmed by the Italian Council of Ministers, represents a significant step towards potentially adding the talented sharpshooter to the roster of the Italian national team, known affectionately as the Azzurri, for the upcoming EuroBasket tournament.
For fans eager to see the best talent represent Italy on the international stage, this news is particularly welcome. Adding to the positive sentiment is the player`s widely reported enthusiasm for the opportunity. Unlike previous instances where players with Italian ancestry might deliberate over their national team commitments (a situation we shall merely acknowledge with a polite nod), DiVincenzo has seemingly embraced the prospect of donning the blue jersey with genuine eagerness. Italy`s Minister of Sport, Andrea Abodi, has publicly underscored DiVincenzo`s eligibility and his distinct desire to join the squad.
Despite the citizenship hurdle being cleared, getting DiVincenzo onto the court for the EuroBasket tournament, scheduled to run from August 27th to September 14th across several European cities, remains a challenge against time. There are still further bureaucratic procedures that need finalization. More critically, securing the necessary permission from his current NBA team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, is mandatory before he can commit to playing internationally. With Italy`s opening game against Greece scheduled for August 28th, the clock is indeed ticking to complete all necessary steps in just over a month.
DiVincenzo`s Italian citizenship was reportedly conferred for “special merits,” acknowledging a professional career marked by significant achievements. The 28-year-old shooting guard brings an impressive resume, including two NCAA championships with Villanova, where he earned Most Outstanding Player honors in 2018, and an NBA championship won with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. Known for his prowess as a potent three-point shooter, he has garnered a couple of fitting nicknames: “The Big Ragù,” a playful nod to his heritage, and the rather ambitious “Michael Jordan of Delaware” (a title perhaps bestowed with more enthusiasm than strict statistical comparison, but one indicating his scoring ability). Since beginning his NBA journey in 2018, his career path has taken him through Milwaukee, Sacramento, Golden State, New York, and most recently, Minnesota.
The potential addition of a player with DiVincenzo`s skillset and championship pedigree could provide a substantial boost to Coach Gianmarco Pozzecco`s team. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and his experience in high-pressure environments would be invaluable. While the remaining bureaucratic hurdles and the team`s approval are still necessary steps, the official granting of citizenship stands as the most crucial development yet in making this exciting potential collaboration a reality for the Azzurri.
