TITLE: Gallinari Confirms Final EuroBasket Appearance as Other European Stars Face Injury Questions
SLUG: gallinari-final-eurobasket-poirier-musa-bogdanovic
CONTENT:
Former NBA forward Danilo Gallinari said the upcoming EuroBasket tournament will mark his last appearance with the Italian national team. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 37-year-old veteran explained that closing his international career this summer provides “an extra boost.”
Gallinari wrapped up a 16-year NBA career in 2023/24 after stops with eight franchises and is currently playing for the Vaqueros de Bayamón in Puerto Rico. Earlier this week he led the club to its 17th league championship and earned Finals MVP honors. “I’m missing a medal with the national team and then I can be happy,” he said, noting he had to skip eight potential summers with Italy during his career.
France Loses Poirier to Knee Issue
France will be without center Vincent Poirier, who withdrew because of concerns over his right knee, according to L’Équipe. The French roster is already short on size after earlier absences by Victor Wembanyama, Mathias Lessort and Rudy Gobert.
Musa’s Status in Doubt After Surgery
Džanan Musa underwent emergency surgery for abdominal pain, putting his participation with Bosnia and Herzegovina in jeopardy, Eurohoops reported. A representative told Radio Sarajevo that Musa is determined to recover quickly but acknowledged his availability “is certainly uncertain.”
Serbia Stays Perfect in Exhibition Play
Serbia remained unbeaten in warm-up games, rolling past the Czech Republic by 29 points on Saturday. Bogdan Bogdanović led the way with 20 points and said the team is focused on sharpening its defense before the tournament begins.
Source: Hoops Rumors
