ITA/USA - D'Antoni, Italy fret over Gallinari

NEW YORK (NBA/EuroBasket 2009) – Everyone is worried about the back problems that have plagued Danilo Gallinari during the Italian’s rookie season in the NBA.

New York coach Mike D’Antoni admitted in the Italian media over the weekend that he’s “a bit nervous” for the 20-year-old who has played in just 28 games this season.

Gallinari was due to rejoin the Knicks on Monday after having his back examined by doctors in Milan.

"I think we will have him back for next season,” D’Antoni said.

“Whether it´s with physiotherapy or an operation - that we still don´t know.

“Certainly, I am a bit nervous and he should be also because there are no guarantees.

“We know we cannot make any mistakes when dealing with this situation. Danilo is a very important part of our future."

The New York Times reported last week that Gallinari is likely to decline an invitation to play for Italy in the Additional Qualifying Round (AQR) for EuroBasket 2009.

In the AQR, Italy are in Group B with France and Finland.

Should the Italians finish top of that pool, they will then have to win in a home-and-away tie against the winners of Group A (Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Portugal) to advance to Poland for the Final Round.

Italy still do not know if three of the other North American-based players – Toronto Raptors center Andrea Bargnani, Golden State Warriors guard Marco Belinelli or University of Southern California point guard Daniel Hackett – will play.

Bargnani has been on a tear since February 10, averaging more than 20 points in 16 games.

However, he missed Sunday’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers with a sore left heel. Belinelli did not travel with the Warriors to New Orleans for their game on Sunday because of a right ankle problem.

Hackett’s Trojans suffered a narrow defeat to Michigan State on Sunday night to bow out of the NCAA Tournament in the round of 32.

FIBA