Paolo Banchero Reflects On National Team Choice

Paolo Banchero decided to compete for the US national team at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in June 2023, causing a rift with his Italian supporters.

What happened?

The Italian-American basketball player was eligible to represent the Italian national team and had shown interest in participating in international competitions. Paolo Banchero was selected to the 24-man EuroBasket 2022 qualification squad in November 2020, though he ultimately did not play.

Why it matters for Paolo Banchero

Banchero believes his decision to play for the US national team may have cost him love from Italian fans, as he stated "If you ask me I would say they don’t like me too much." He averaged 20.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and five assists per game for the Orlando Magic in the 2025-26 NBA season.

What comes next?

Paolo Banchero hopes to rebuild his relationship with Italian fans, saying "I hope the relationship between us can be rebuilt." He conveyed his intentions to regain their support and admiration during a recent interview. Banchero is still on good terms with the coach and some of the players from the Italian national team. And he will continue to work on mending fences with Italian fans. But the process may take time, as Banchero heard boos when playing against Italy in the World Cup. So he remains focused on his performance, currently averaging 20.9 points per game. Paolo Banchero's decision to play for the US national team was a significant factor in the strained relationship with his Italian fans. As of January 19, 2026, Banchero reflected on his relationship with Italian fans, stating they may not love him due to his national team choice. He will look to move forward and rebuild his relationship with Italian fans.