Captain Datome likes Italy's focus ahead of OQT

TURIN (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments) - Italy's Gigi Datome is going into one of the most important summers of his life with his confidence soaring.

The 28-year-old forward, having led Fenerbahce to a Turkish domestic league crown and scooped the honor as the most valuable player of the finals, has now turned his attention to his Italian national team.

In Turin with the Azzurri and about to play in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) against Group B sides Tunisia and Croatia and then possibly Mexico, Iran or Greece out of Group A, Datome and his teammates will have the benefit of home support for the first time at a major event.

With only the winner of the OQT advancing to the Rio de Janeiro Games, Datome has spoken to FIBA.com about the challenge facing him and his teammates.

FIBA.com: You had a magnificent conclusion to the season with Fenerbahce. What was that experience like?
Datome: It's the best. It was one of my goals going into the campaign, to be a part of a winning team. We did good and still can do better. I always had a lot of confidence in myself for the work that I put in. A lot of players in this (Italy) team didn't have a lot of time to rest, to work and get ready for this competition but this is how it is. It's all forgotten now. I'm just ready to start to compete here.

FIBA.com: How has this summer been different so far for you with Ettore Messina now Italy coach?
Datome: He's different from (Simone) Pianigiani. Of course, every coach is different and tries to put his philosophy on the court. The important thing for players is to put a lot of focus in terms of assimilating his trust on defense and offense and try to speak the same language on the court as soon as possible and especially this year since we didn't have much time together.

FIBA.com: There was a real sense of urgency in the way that Italy practiced today (Sunday) and there were times when it seemed Messina was not happy. Are you all going to have enough time to get on the same page?
Datome: This form of pre-Olympics is like that. We didn't have the usual five weeks to prepare, but I'm really very proud of my teammates because everyone has the will to understand Messina's thoughts, Messina's trust in terms of basketball and everyone wants to do the right thing in order to succeed and I think that's the only thing that matters.

FIBA.com: The fans are concerned for Marco Belinelli, who is not 100 per cent and is playing with a facemask after getting injured last week. What do you expect from him?
Datome: Yes, it's not easy but he's a tough guy and of course wants to be a part of the team. I don't if tomorrow he'll be able to play because doctors have to decide. He has three little fractures in this bone (cheekbone). He's for sure going to be a part of this team. I don't know about tomorrow but for sure the next game.

FIBA.com: Tunisia and Croatia are your opponents in Group B. Tunisia are flying under the radar a bit, maybe, while Croatia have a rich tradition in basketball.
Datome: We have to be focused on tomorrow. It's game-by-game. It's such a tough format, there is no room for mistakes. Today we're thinking about Tunisia and after, we think about Croatia. Every team that's here deserves to be here. So we have to think day by day, game by game in order to do what we want to do.

FIBA