Italian Federation's president comments on Eubanks and DiVincenzo / News - Basketnews.com

The process of naturalizing Drew Eubanks is already underway, while DiVincenzo's case is at a very early stage since the Italian Federation found out about the player's desire to play for the country only from the media, Petrucci revealed.

Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix Credit Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix

With reports about the Italian national team possibly acquiring one or even two naturalized players, the Italian Basketball Federation's (FIP) president, Gianni Petrucci, commented on the status of the entire process.

Drew Eubanks

Team:Phoenix SunsPosition:PF, CAge:27Height:208 cmWeight:111 kgBirth place:United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

Namely, Phoenix Suns big man Drew Eubanks has been on the radar since at least last year summer, BasketNews sources have indicated. Additionally, New York Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo has recently expressed his desire to represent Italy internationally.

Petrucci said that the case with Eubanks has already advanced past the preliminary stage, while DiVincenzo would not be able to play for Italy this upcoming summer.

"We're working on the case of Drew Eubanks. We hope there will be enough time to complete all the necessary paperwork," Petrucci said.

"We learned from American media about the availability of Donte DiVincenzo, but there won't be [enough] time to complete the procedure for him," the FIP president revealed. "It's good that there's interest from these players to play with the national team, it means that we're doing a good job."

Italy is placed in Group B in the EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers together with Hungary, Turkey, and Iceland.

The country's national team will play in the Puerto Rico Olympic Qualifying Tournament this upcoming summer. Italy is in Group B there as well, alongside Puerto Rico and Bahrain.

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