Nico Mannion opens up about his relationship with the Italian NT and Paolo Banchero

Orazio Cauchi
Staff Writer
2022-11-25 16:38

Nico Mannion spoke with Eurosport and opened up about his relationship with the Italian NT, his friendship with Paolo Banchero, and his role with Virtus Bologna.

Credit: Imago - Scanpix
Credit Imago - Scanpix

Despite being only 21, Nico Mannion and the Italian national team have already developed a long-term relationship. Mannion made his debut with the national team in 2018 when he was only 17 years old. No one before him had made his debut with the national team at that age.

The son of former NBA player Pace Mannion, Nico was born in Italy, in Siena, and his mother, Gaia, is a former Italian volleyball player. Although he grew up in the United States, he always had a strong connection with Italy but he fully understood that only when he made his debut with the national team, as he revealed in an interview with Eurosport.

"The first time that I played with the national team was special. My mom was in the stands, and when the Italian anthem began, she started to cry. I was still very young so I didn't fully understand how important it was," Mannion confessed. "When I look back at it now, I feel strong emotions because of what I've been through with this team."

Nico Mannion

Nico  Mannion
Team: Virtus Segafredo Bologna
Position: SG
Age: 21
Height: 188 cm
Weight: 86 kg
Birth place: Siena, Italy

"When we won the pre-Olympic tournament in Belgrade and we got the ticket to the Tokyo Olympics, my teammates were so excited, it was almost unreal," the player admitted. "They were all incredibly emotional. That's why it's special to play for Italy, and I want to be part of this group every single time that I have the chance."

Now that Italy has secured a spot in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which will be played in Japan, Indonesia, and the Phillippines, everyone wants to know if Paolo Banchero, the no.1 pick in the last NBA Draft, will be able to play for the Italian team.

The Orlando Magic rookie has often stated his intention to represent Italy at the international level but he hasn't committed to playing in the World Cup yet. In the meantime, Banchero and Mannion have developed a good relationship and they remain in touch constantly.

"We spoke with Paolo about the national team and he told me that he wants to come," Mannion said. "Now we just need to wait for the right moment. Of course, his presence will depend on many factors [such as] if he's ok physically and if the timing is right, but he has the passport and he wants to help us. He's really a special player, he plays like a guard with that body, he can do everything".

Mannion also talked about his club, Virtus Segafredo Bologna, and the relationship that he has with the city. 

"This a club full of history, a lot of great players and coaches have been part of this organization, you can definitely feel that," Mannion explained.

"There's a great atmosphere, we support each other during practice sessions, and we take care of each other outside of the court too. We always eat together, there's a great dynamic. I love Bologna and I love the fans, they're an integral part of the organization."



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