Banchero signs up for Team USA

Reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero will compete for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup this summer in the Philippines, The Athletic reported on Saturday.

The Orlando Magic forward was born in the US but has an Italian passport and previously said he would play with Team Italy at the tournament, which begins Aug 25 in Manila.

Banchero, the No 1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, is the 11th American professional player to commit to the squad.

The 6-foot-10(2.09 meters) Banchero, 20, averaged 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 72 games (all starts) for Orlando in 2022-23.

Team USA, coached by Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, opens training camp on Aug 3 in Las Vegas.

Players who have already committed to the team are Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Brandon Ingram, Jaren Jackson, Cam Johnson, Walker Kessler, Bobby Portis and Austin Reaves.

Spain is the defending World Cup champion, with Argentina finishing second and France third at the 2019 competition in China. Five-time champion Team USA lost to France in the quarterfinals.

Agencies Via Xinhua