NBA guard Donte DiVincenzo, currently with the Minnesota Timberwolves, has successfully obtained Italian citizenship. The announcement, formally confirmed via a statement from the Italian Council of Ministers, marks a significant administrative step that could see the sharpshooter don the “Azzurri” jersey for the upcoming European Championship.
The EuroBasket tournament is scheduled to run from August 27th to September 14th across host cities including Tampere, Limassol, Katowice, and Riga, where the final phases will be held. Italy is set to open their campaign on August 28th against Greece.
While the citizenship is now confirmed, making DiVincenzo eligible, his participation in the championship remains contingent on two key factors: the completion of further bureaucratic procedures and, crucially, the official clearance from his NBA team, the Minnesota Timberwolves. With the tournament rapidly approaching, time is of the essence to navigate these remaining steps.
However, one critical element is reportedly firmly in place: the player`s desire. According to Italian Minister of Sport Andrea Abodi, DiVincenzo has expressed significant enthusiasm about the prospect of representing Italy internationally. Abodi confirmed that DiVincenzo met all the requirements for citizenship and was eager to join the national team, a sentiment that appears to contrast with complexities encountered in past eligibility cases for the Italian squad.
Official Approval and the Path Taken
The formal decree granting citizenship came as a proposal from the Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, following favorable opinions from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, and the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi. The citizenship was conferred under Article 9, paragraph 2, of Italian Law 91 of February 5, 1992, citing “special merits.” Granting citizenship for athletic contributions is a recognized, albeit specific, pathway within Italian law.
DiVincenzo`s Credentials: A Proven Winner
Known for his scoring ability, particularly from beyond the arc, the 28-year-old DiVincenzo brings a history of success. He was a key member of two NCAA Championship-winning teams with the Villanova Wildcats in 2016 and 2018, earning the Most Outstanding Player award in the 2018 Final Four. His professional career includes an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. While sometimes playfully nicknamed “The Michael Jordan of Delaware,” his Italian heritage has also inspired the perhaps less intimidating moniker, “The Big Ragù.” Since entering the NBA in 2018, DiVincenzo has played for several franchises, including Milwaukee, Sacramento, Golden State, New York, and most recently, Minnesota.
Implications for the Italian Squad
The potential addition of a player with DiVincenzo`s NBA experience, shooting prowess, and championship pedigree could provide a significant boost to Coach Gianmarco Pozzecco`s roster as they prepare for the demanding EuroBasket competition. His presence would add depth, scoring punch, and a proven winner`s mentality to the Italian national team. The focus now shifts to the administrative finish line and securing the necessary team release to turn this possibility into reality for the late-August tip-off.
