Race Against Time as NBA Guard Joins the Azzurri Fold
NBA shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo has officially been granted Italian citizenship, a move that could see the Minnesota Timberwolves player represent Italy on the international basketball stage as early as this summer`s EuroBasket tournament.
The announcement, emanating from the Italian Council of Ministers, marks a pivotal step in integrating the 28-year-old guard into the Italian national team setup under coach Gianmarco Pozzecco. The European Championship is slated for late August through mid-September, creating an immediate urgency. For DiVincenzo to suit up for the Azzurri, a couple more boxes need ticking: completing remaining bureaucratic procedures and, crucially, receiving approval from his NBA club.
Sources close to the situation indicate that, unlike some past instances involving dual-nationality players, DiVincenzo`s enthusiasm for donning the Italian jersey is reportedly quite high. Italy`s Minister of Sport, Andrea Abodi, confirmed DiVincenzo met the requirements for citizenship and expressed his excitement about the prospect of playing for Italy. The citizenship was conferred for “special merits,” a mechanism under Italian law acknowledging contributions or connections deemed significant by the state – perhaps a nod to both his heritage and the potential boost he brings.
A Champion`s Pedigree Joins Italy`s Ranks
DiVincenzo`s resume speaks for itself. A formidable threat from beyond the arc, he was a key player for the Villanova Wildcats during their NCAA Championship runs in 2016 and 2018, earning the tournament`s Most Outstanding Player award in the latter year. His professional career includes an NBA championship ring with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021.
Since entering the league in 2018, he has also played for the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and is currently with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Known affectionately as “The Big Ragù” – a delightful nod to his Italian roots and perhaps his versatile, simmering offensive game – he`s also been humorously dubbed the “Michael Jordan of Delaware.” Adding a player with his skillset, experience, and winning history would undoubtedly be a significant uplift for Italy`s EuroBasket campaign, provided the clock doesn`t run out on the necessary approvals.