Ghanaian-Italian International Small Forward Awudu Abass has been named in the preliminary roster for the Italian National Men’s Team roster for the upcoming World Cup.
The 2019 FIBA World Cup comes off in China from August 31 to September 15 with 32 nations competing for the title. The USA are defending champions.
Ahead of friendly games later this month to select the final 12 man team, several nations have released preliminary rosters with Italy’s being the latest.
In the 24 man roster, Abass joins the likes of experienced trio Danilo Gallinari, Marco Belinelli for play in the NBA and former NBA player Luigi Datome.
Born to a Ghanaian father in Italy, 26 year old Abass played a key role primarily off the bench in ending Italy’s 13 year World Cup drought.
Italy is in Group D with Angola, Philippines and title favourite Serbia and the top two ranked nations after the conclusion of preliminary games in China qualify to the next stage.
After an impressive debut season with Germani Brescia, Abass has developed into a transfer target for several clubs in Germany and Italy. In 12 qualification games, Abass averaged 10.3 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in 20.4 minutes.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
