MANILA, Philippines -- When Paolo Banchero got off the bus Tuesday morning at the team hotel in Manila, he was cradling a FIBA basketball, which had been his carry-on for the 10-hour flight from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The softer but bouncier ball frustrates many NBA players, and like a running back trying to stop fumbles, Banchero was trying to spend some extra time with the rock.
The Orlando Magic star has been putting in extra shooting work after practice with Chip Engelland, Team USA's shooting coach, and also working with the Oklahoma City Thunder assistant before games.