Paolo Banchero has a promising first meeting with Italian federation reps / News - Basketnews.com

A delegation, including Italy's coach Gianmarco Pozzecco, met with Paolo Banchero in Orlando to discuss the possibility of the star player joining the national team in the coming FIBA World Cup.

Credit: USA TODAY Sports-Scanpix Credit USA TODAY Sports-Scanpix

A definitive answer as to whether Paolo Banchero will play with the Italian NT in the 2023 FIBA World Cup has not been given. However, it seems that the meeting between the player and the Italian National team delegation went well.

"Paolo Banchero has once again shown that he's open to the project reserving the right to confirm [his availability] during the season," the official announcement reads.

This means that the Orlando Magic star player and first overall pick in the 2022 Draft will have made up his mind towards the end of the NBA regular season, around mid-April.

At the meeting that took place in Orlando, the day after the Magic lost to the Bucks, the Italian federation was represented by national teams' general manager Salvatore Trainotti, technical commissioner and head coach Gianmarco Pozzecco, and the General Manager of Master Group Sport, Antonio Santa Maria, who also operates as an advisor for FIP.

Banchero's entourage included his father Mario and the players' agents, spearheaded by Mike Miller, a former NBA player.

During the meetings, the technical programs of the National Team were presented, and a strategic marketing and communication plan was shared. The delegation met the Orlando Magic's front office, which was briefed on the project for next summer and the way the country's national teams are organized.

Gianmarco Pozzecco, who had a quick meeting with Banchero after the game against the Bucks, which he witnessed from the stands, said about the meeting:

"I am happy with the talks we had in recent days, and for the excellent relationship we've built. Paolo is a great kid."

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