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Former Knicks Star Closer to Olympic Dreams

Former Knicks Guard Donte DiVincenzo Edges Closer to Olympic Glory with Italy

In the ever-evolving world of professional basketball, where dreams often transcend the hardwood courts of the NBA, former New York Knicks sharpshooter Donte DiVincenzo is making significant strides toward realizing a deeply personal ambition: representing Italy on the Olympic stage. The 27-year-old guard, who recently transitioned from the bright lights of Madison Square Garden to the Target Center in Minneapolis as part of a blockbuster trade, has been quietly pursuing this goal for years. Now, with key developments in his quest for Italian citizenship and growing interest from the Italian national team, DiVincenzo's Olympic dreams are tantalizingly within reach.

DiVincenzo's journey to this point is a testament to his resilience and multifaceted identity. Born in Newark, Delaware, to a family with strong Italian roots—his paternal great-grandparents emigrated from Italy—he has always felt a profound connection to his heritage. This connection isn't just cultural; it's woven into his basketball narrative. While DiVincenzo has proudly represented the United States in various youth competitions, including helping Team USA secure gold at the 2015 FIBA Under-19 World Championship, his adult career has seen him explore opportunities to don the Azzurri jersey. The allure of playing for Italy, a nation with a burgeoning basketball presence on the international scene, has grown stronger as he's matured in the NBA.

The path to international representation isn't straightforward, especially for players with dual eligibility. For DiVincenzo, obtaining Italian citizenship through jus sanguinis (right of blood) has been a crucial step. Recent reports indicate that he has made substantial progress in this bureaucratic process, which involves documenting his lineage back to his Italian ancestors. Sources close to the player suggest that paperwork has been submitted to Italian authorities, and approvals could come as early as the coming months. This citizenship would not only fulfill a personal milestone but also clear the way for him to join Italy's national team without the restrictions that apply to non-citizens under FIBA rules.

DiVincenzo's NBA career has only bolstered his case for international stardom. Drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft out of Villanova University—where he famously hit a game-winning shot in the 2018 NCAA Championship game—he quickly established himself as a versatile guard with a deadly outside shot and tenacious defense. His time with the Bucks culminated in an NBA Championship in 2021, where he played a pivotal role off the bench. Stints with the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors followed, each showcasing his growth as a player capable of impacting games on both ends of the floor.

It was during his lone season with the New York Knicks in 2023-2024 that DiVincenzo truly exploded onto the scene. Signed to a four-year, $46.8 million deal, he became a fan favorite in the Big Apple, earning the nickname "The Big Ragu" for his Italian flair and relentless energy. He set a Knicks franchise record for three-pointers made in a single season, draining 283 triples while averaging 15.5 points per game. His performance in the playoffs was equally electric, including a memorable 39-point outburst against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Knicks fans still reminisce about his clutch shooting and defensive hustle, which helped propel the team to within one game of the Eastern Conference Finals.

However, the business of basketball intervened. In a stunning offseason trade, DiVincenzo was shipped to the Minnesota Timberwolves along with Julius Randle in exchange for All-Star big man Karl-Anthony Towns. The move was bittersweet for DiVincenzo, who had formed strong bonds with his Knicks teammates, including fellow Villanova alumni Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges. Yet, this new chapter in Minnesota offers him a chance to continue honing his skills alongside rising stars like Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert, potentially elevating his game to new heights just in time for international competition.

Amid these professional shifts, DiVincenzo's Olympic aspirations have gained momentum. Italy's national basketball team, known as the Azzurri, has been on an upward trajectory. They qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021) and put up a respectable showing, advancing to the quarterfinals before falling to France. With talents like Danilo Gallinari, Nico Mannion, and Simone Fontecchio leading the charge, the team is hungry for more success, especially looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. DiVincenzo's skill set—his sharpshooting, ball-handling, and defensive versatility—would be a perfect fit for Italy's style, which emphasizes perimeter play and quick transitions.

Italian basketball officials have taken notice. In interviews, federation representatives have expressed enthusiasm about DiVincenzo's potential involvement. "Donte brings a championship pedigree and a passion for the game that aligns perfectly with our vision," one anonymous source from the Italian Basketball Federation told reporters. DiVincenzo himself has been vocal about his desires. In a recent podcast appearance, he shared, "Playing for Italy would mean everything to me. It's about honoring my family, my roots, and giving back to a country that shaped who I am." He elaborated on the emotional weight of the pursuit, recalling family stories of his ancestors' journey from Italy to America, and how basketball could bridge that generational gap.

The process hasn't been without challenges. Navigating FIBA's eligibility rules requires not just citizenship but also a commitment to forgo other national team representations. DiVincenzo has never played for the senior Team USA squad, which simplifies matters, but the timeline is tight. With EuroBasket qualifiers and other international windows approaching, securing his spot could involve participating in training camps or exhibition games as early as next year. Moreover, balancing NBA commitments with international duties demands careful scheduling, especially with the Timberwolves eyeing a deep playoff run.

DiVincenzo's story resonates beyond basketball. It's a narrative of identity, heritage, and the global nature of the sport. In an era where players like Nikola Jokic (Serbia), Luka Doncic (Slovenia), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece) have elevated their nations on the world stage, DiVincenzo could become Italy's next big ambassador. His journey mirrors that of other Italian-American athletes, such as former NBA player Mike D'Antoni, who coached Italy in the past, or even soccer stars who have represented the Azzurri despite being born abroad.

As DiVincenzo settles into his new role with the Timberwolves, the basketball world watches with anticipation. Will he make his debut for Italy in upcoming FIBA events? Could he be the missing piece that propels the Azzurri to Olympic medal contention in 2028? These questions loom large, but one thing is clear: DiVincenzo's pursuit is about more than personal achievement. It's about legacy, family, and the unifying power of sport.

For Knicks fans, seeing their former hero chase Olympic dreams in Italian colors might sting a bit, but it's a reminder of the transient nature of professional sports. DiVincenzo left an indelible mark on New York, and now he's poised to etch his name in international lore. As he continues to grind in the NBA, his off-court efforts are bringing him ever closer to that Olympic podium. The Big Ragu's story is far from over—it's just getting saucier.

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Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/nba/knicks/news/former-new-york-knicks-donte-divincenzo-closer-olympic-dreams ]