In a significant development for Italian basketball, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo has officially obtained Italian citizenship. The announcement, made following a resolution by the Council of Ministers, clears a crucial bureaucratic hurdle and opens the possibility of the 28-year-old sharp-shooter joining the Italian national team for the upcoming EuroBasket tournament.
The Path to Citizenship
The decision to grant citizenship by special merits underscores the Italian government`s recognition of DiVincenzo`s potential contribution. Proposed by the Minister of the Interior and supported by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Sport, the process followed specific legal provisions (Article 9, paragraph 2, of Law 91/1992). This official step signals a clear intent from all parties involved to integrate the NBA talent into the Azzurri setup.
A Race Against Time for EuroBasket
With the EuroBasket scheduled from August 27th to September 14th, time is now of the essence. Italy`s first game is set for August 28th against Greece. While the citizenship is granted, further administrative procedures and, critically, approval from the Minnesota Timberwolves are still required to make DiVincenzo available for national team duty this summer. It`s a familiar race against the clock for international basketball federations looking to integrate NBA players, but one the Italian federation seems determined to win.
Notably, unlike past situations where the player`s commitment was uncertain, Sports Minister Andrea Abodi confirmed that DiVincenzo has already expressed significant enthusiasm for representing Italy. This eagerness is a vital component in navigating the remaining complexities and getting “The Big Ragù” – a nickname referencing his Italian heritage and energetic play – onto the court in the blue jersey.
“The Big Ragù” Joins the Family
Donte DiVincenzo brings a potent combination of shooting prowess and winning experience. The shooting guard is known for his ability to knock down three-pointers and impact the game on both ends. His resume includes two NCAA championships with Villanova (earning Most Outstanding Player honors in 2018) and an NBA Championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. Since entering the NBA in 2018, he has played for several franchises, including Milwaukee, Sacramento, Golden State, New York, and currently, Minnesota.
Adding a player of DiVincenzo`s caliber, with his proven ability in high-pressure situations and his reputation as a “micidiale tiratore” (lethal shooter), would undoubtedly provide a significant boost to Coach Gianmarco Pozzecco`s roster ahead of a challenging continental championship.
What Comes Next?
The focus now shifts to the remaining bureaucratic steps and securing the formal release from the Minnesota Timberwolves. While NBA teams are often cooperative regarding players participating in international tournaments, especially prestigious ones like the EuroBasket, the timing and specifics of the agreement are crucial. Italian basketball fans will be keenly watching for updates, hoping that all the pieces fall into place quickly, allowing Donte DiVincenzo to make his debut for the Azzurri and contribute to Italy`s campaign this summer.