The Gallinari buzz

"Since the NBA season ended," Gallinari said, "I have not thought about anything else but the national team.

"I am looking forward to being with the others.

"I am happy and charged up.

"I can´t wait to get started."

Italy will need Gallinari at the 24-team EuroBasket in Lithuania, where they have been drawn in a 'group of death' with Serbia, Israel, Latvia, Germany and France.

Gallinari is upbeat, but also telling everyone that success isn't going to happen overnight.

"With regards to the EuroBasket in Lithuania, we are a new group, young while other teams are powerhouses and that is why I don´t have high expectations," he said.

"We have a project and quality players but also our rivals have players that compete in the NBA and that have won the Euroleague.

"Our group is a tough one.

"I have only played EuroBasket at junior level."