As EuroBasket 2025 looms on the horizon, August promises to be an exciting month for basketball fans and for Minnesota Timberwolves' guard Donte DiVincenzo, who’s eyeing his debut on the international stage. The whispers are growing louder about DiVincenzo potentially suiting up for Italy, marking a thrilling first for the seasoned NBA champ. It's not just DiVincenzo who’s eager about this prospect – Italy's camp is equally enthusiastic, hoping to buddy up with the talented guard.
DiVincenzo’s plans to hit the court in Italy's colors do hinge on a few bureaucratic hurdles, the primary one being his passport. In a chat with Simone Sandri of La Gazzetta dello Sport, he touched on the slow-moving gears of paperwork and his eagerness to get it sorted. As DiVincenzo gears up for the NBA’s home stretch, his folks are working on the passport, determined to see him rock that Azzurri jersey.
“The timing depends on bureaucratic documents. But my intention is to wear the Azzurri jersey. My father and my agent are handling the passport, while I’m focusing on this final stretch of the regular season."
Speaking to Sandri about the likelihood of playing for Italy, he said, “I’d say so. We’re all on the same page. Now, we just have to wait for the documents to arrive…It would be amazing for me to represent Italy.”
Stepping onto the international court is often about more than just play – it’s about heritage. We've seen players like Kyrie Irving gear up for Team Australia in the 2028 Olympics and Jordan Clarkson making waves for the Philippines, a nod to his roots.
DiVincenzo, though born in Newark, Delaware, draws strength from his Italian lineage, with family ties pulling him towards this significant opportunity. His fiancée’s Italian roots add another layer of connectivity, making this possible venture even more meaningful.
DiVincenzo’s NBA journey, which continues to soar, sees him now in his inaugural year with the Timberwolves. It’s a huge deal – not just for him but for his family, making the hope that a little red tape won’t stop him from showcasing his skills on the European stage. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are battling for postseason success, keeping DiVincenzo busy as he dreams of donning those Italian threads.
For fans, watching DiVincenzo potentially weave his NBA prowess into the fabric of international play is something to look forward to, potentially adding a vibrant chapter to his career. Let's just hope those papers come through in time.
