Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL
Marco Bellinelli will not suit up for the Italian National Team as they prepare to embark on the Olympic Qualifying Tournament that will tip off in Belgrade, Serbia at the end of the month.
The NBA veteran of 925 games cited the reason that he was sitting out the qualifier in order to recover from a rigorous season.
In a press release from the Italian Basketball Federation Bellinelli had this to say:
“Unfortunately, this summer I will not be part of the national team. This season was very physically demanding for me. I arrived at Bologna in December after the training camp, which for us plays is a fundamental part of the season. I worked hard for the team and retrieve match fitness. I pushed forward on multiple occasions. This led me to finish the season with several issues, especially on my legs. I have to stop for a while and then resume with a plan to be at 100% in September. I spoke to President Gianni Petrucci. He knows this isn’t a goodbye. My commitment to the national team has always been strong. I will support my boys in every way during the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.”
Bellinelli posted 17.1 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists per 7DAYS EuroCup game up to the elimination by UNICS Kazan in the semifinals. In helping his club, Vitrus Segafredo Bologna capture the domestic Italian title he would put 14.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.8 per contest.
