Donte DiVincenzo, the dynamic guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, recently addressed the lingering questions surrounding his absence from the Italian National Basketball Team at the last European Championship. Despite acquiring his Italian passport—a move that sparked significant excitement among Azzurri fans—DiVincenzo revealed that physical readiness, not a lack of desire, kept him off the court. Speaking candidly from the Timberwolves` locker room at Madison Square Garden, spaghetti in hand, the 28-year-old made his intentions unequivocally clear: his commitment to Italy remains unwavering.
For months, Italian basketball enthusiasts eagerly awaited DiVincenzo`s debut, imagining “The Big Ragu” donning the prestigious blue jersey. However, a nagging foot injury sustained last year proved to be the decisive factor. “Last year I got injured,” DiVincenzo explained, “and my intention was to arrive in the best possible condition at the start of this championship. This will be a very important season for me with Minnesota, and I want to be at my peak.” It was a pragmatic decision, prioritizing long-term health and peak performance for a crucial NBA season over a premature return to competitive play. The Italian Federation, he noted, understood his predicament.
The narrative often spins tales of international allegiances being complex, yet DiVincenzo’s message was strikingly simple and consistent. He repeated “My plans haven`t changed” a remarkable three times during the brief exchange, a mantra underscoring his genuine desire to represent the nation. He acknowledged the disappointment of missing out on the EuroBasket, stating, “Naturally, I would have wanted to play this summer, but unfortunately, things went differently. But my feelings are always the same; I want to represent the country and play with the Azzurri jersey.”
Interestingly, the modern athlete, often awash in a sea of social media updates, sometimes finds solace in a less connected world. DiVincenzo admitted to being somewhat out of the loop regarding the national team`s internal affairs. “Riccardo Fois [now a Knicks staff member] actually told me about the coaching change on the national team bench,” DiVincenzo remarked, a touch of genuine surprise in his voice. “I didn`t know anything because I don`t use social media and am not very updated on these things.” It`s a subtle reminder that even in the hyper-connected digital age, a plate of pasta and a casual chat can still be the most effective news delivery system for some.
Looking ahead, the path for DiVincenzo and the Italian national team seems clearer. While a July aggregation to the team`s Folgaria camp was initially anticipated, his less-than-optimal physical condition at the time led to a change in plans. “Honestly, I didn`t feel at my usual levels,” he confessed. “The foot problem had slowed me down, and I didn`t feel capable of playing that type of competition.” Thankfully, his condition improved, allowing him to arrive in good form for the Timberwolves` training camp.
The prospect of DiVincenzo finally gracing the international stage in Italian colors is a tantalizing one. His current focus remains firmly on his NBA campaign with the Timberwolves, a team with significant ambitions for the season. However, the dialogue with the Italian Federation is active and positive. “We are in contact with the federal leadership, and we will update at the end of the championship,” he confirmed. The summer of 2026 (assuming the original article`s 2025 date implies future events) appears to be the most likely window for “The Big Ragu” to finally unleash his talents for Italy. Fans, no doubt, will be counting down the days, eager to see this American-Italian talent elevate the Azzurri`s game. His story is not one of missed opportunity, but of carefully planned preparation for a grand future debut.
