MARCO Belinelli has confirmed his availability for Italy's national basketball team in the 2019 Fiba Basketball World Cup.
The 33-year-old NBA veteran told Italian newspaper Tuttosport he'll be playing for Italy in the World Cup set August 30 to September 15 after speaking with officials of the Italian Basketball Federation and head coach Romeo Sachetti.
“After we qualified I spoke with Gianni Petrucci (president of Italian Basket Federation) and with Sacchetti a few days ago. I discussed with my teammates as well. We are all happy,” said Belinelli in an interview with Dario Ronzulli of Tuttosport.
“We know the bar is high now. Our dream is to achieve something important with the national team. I confirm my participation,” said Belinelli, who last played for the Italian national team in the 2017 EuroBasket.
Belinelli is expected to boost Italy’s bid in the World Cup, where they are bracketed with Team Pilipinas, Serbia, and Angola in Group D of the competition.
Belinelli averaged 10.5 points and 2.5 rebounds and shot 37 percent from three-point range with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA regular season.
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