Small Forward Awudu Abass has declared his “strong pride” wearing the national jersey for Italy ahead of World Cup qualifying games in Europe later this month.
Born to a Ghanaian father and Nigerian mother in Italy, the 6 foot 7 inch Forward who plays foriTalian league side Germani Brescia recently returned from playing the NBA Summer League and ready to aid Italy qualify to the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China.
Abass is one of five national team players to feature in all six qualifiers thus far registering double digit points in multiple games including an 18 point showing in an 81-66 win over Netherlands.
Speaking ahead of upcoming games against Poland and Hungary, Abass expressed his pride representing Italy in an interview with FIBA.com:
“The pride of wearing the Azzurri jersey for me is always strong. I always dreamed of wearing it since I was a child”.
Italy plays Poland on September 14 and Hungary on September 17 as it attempts to be among 32 nations to play in next year’s World Cup. Abass played for Oklahoma City Thunder in the Summer League.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
