ITA - Datome: "National team is a priority"

ROMA (NBA) - Luigi Datome will remember 2013 as the most intense year of his career. In the space of a few months, the 26-year old forward won the Italian League MVP trophy, signed a multi-year NBA contract with the Detroit Pistons, starred at EuroBasket 2013 for Italy and now he is a candidate for the FIBA Europe Player of the Year.

But Datome doesn't want to stop there. The NBA experience he's going through hasn't changed his workaholic mentality and his pride in representing his native region of Sardinia, which was recently hit by typhoon Cleopatra.

"Watching my town Olbia and all my people hit by that kind of tragedy, it was really bad," said Datome.

His Italian pride is also connected to basketball.

"For me, the national team is always a priority. If (Italy men's national team) coach Simone Pianigiani calls me for next summer, I will make myself available, no matter which tournament Italy will play in," the 2.03m forward said.

Italy are one of 15 candidates that applied for the four wild cards for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Should they not be in the 24-team field at Spain 2014, they will be eligible to play the EuroBasket 2015 Qualifying Round.

"I know I will need to make much off-season individual work, technical and physical, but we will find the necessary time both for the individual work and for the national team," Datome added.

In Detroit, Datome is experiencing the meaning of being a rookie, averaging 2.5 points and 1.1 rebounds in only 6.5 minutes per game.

"Coach Maurice Cheeks and all the front office staff have stressed their confidence. They tell me to keep working, and my time will come," he explained.

"I knew I had to be patient and show mental strength. I feel ready. I keep working, as I want to show my worth, as throughout my career all the tough moments made me stronger.

"I play for the NBA's second youngest team, and here in Detroit I found some very nice teammates, starting with Andre Drummond, who jokingly has been calling me 'Jesus' since the first time he saw my long hair and beard."

As an NBA rookie, Datome was impressed by many details.

"The players' ability in understanding the game is very high. Playing three times a week, all the teams have few time to prepare games, and players need to adjust," he pointed out.

"And when you play against LeBron James, Paul George or Kevin Durant, you need to adjust quickly. I am learning, I am working, I want to be ready when my number is called."

FIBA