Italy considering to naturalize Drew Eubanks / News - Basketnews.com

The Italian federation has been working on the case of Drew Eubanks, the Portland Trail Blazers big man, for several months. He might become a new naturalized player for the national team.

Credit: Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix

While Italy still awaits the final decision of Paolo Banchero, who remains undecided whether he will commit to the USA or Italy at the FIBA level, the Italian federation started to consider some alternatives for the naturalized player's spot.

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Of course, there's a case of Darius Thompson. The Baskonia's point guard is married to an Italian woman, and he's expected to receive his full Italian citizenship soon. He might even become available for Italy in time for the World Cup.

But there's another name that the Italian federation has been considering for some time now: the Portland Trail Blazers big man Drew Eubanks.

According to BasketNewssources, Italy started to consider Eubanks' case several months ago, and he remains an intriguing profile for the Azzurri.

Italy doesn't have many options in the frontcourt and has always been an undersized team, so adding a proven NBA big man would be an interesting opportunity for the Azzurri.

The 26-year-old player had a positive season with Portland, averaging 6.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game. His impact coming off the bench has been extremely useful for the Trail Blazers.

Eubanks was born in Mississippi but grew up in Oregon and has now played for 6 seasons in the NBA. He has Italian roots in his family, although it remains to be seen if it'll be enough to receive a passport, sources have told BasketNews.

While it's highly unlikely that Eubanks will be available soon for Italy, he might become a solid option moving forward, especially if Banchero and Thompson, for different reasons, wouldn't be able to join the national team.

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