Thompson Set to Take DiVincenzo’s Spot on Italy’s EuroBasket Roster

Donte DiVincenzo, the Minnesota Timberwolves guard celebrated for his shooting accuracy, will be absent from the approaching EuroBasket 2025 tournament. This is despite having acquired Italian citizenship and initially being named in the preliminary squad.

Reports suggest that Darius Thompson, a guard for Valencia Basket, is anticipated to step in for DiVincenzo on Italy’s team.

DiVincenzo’s inclusion in Italy’s preliminary EuroBasket lineup followed the official granting of his Italian citizenship on July 14. He had previously voiced a strong enthusiasm to play for Italy, even considering beginning this journey during the current summer.

Back in April, DiVincenzo stated, “What are the chances of being at EuroBasket? I think they’re really favorable; everyone is in agreement. Representing Italy would be fantastic for me. Now, we simply await the arrival of the necessary paperwork.”

During the 2024/25 NBA season, the 28-year-old DiVincenzo recorded averages of 11.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per contest while playing for the Timberwolves.

Thompson, DiVincenzo’s likely successor, was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA. He secured an Italian passport in the previous year but is yet to make his debut for Italy.

Thompson obtained Italian citizenship through his marriage to his Italian spouse, Chiara Pacifico Thompson.

Last season, Thompson, while a member of Anadolu Efes, posted averages of 9.5 points, 4.5 assists, 2.0 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game across 39 appearances in Europe’s top-tier club competition.

EuroBasket 2025 is scheduled to take place from August 27 to September 14 across Cyprus, Finland, Poland, and Latvia.

Italy finds itself in Group C, alongside host nation Cyprus, Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, and Spain.

The top four teams, following the round-robin format, will proceed to the knockout phase, which is set to unfold in Riga between September 6 and 14.