Thomas Walkup applied for Greek citizenship with the intention to play in the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
Olympiacos Piraeus guard Thomas Walkup applied for Greek citizenship, Nikos Papadogiannis from gazzetta.gr reports.
Walkup wrote an open letter to the Greek Basketball Federation and Government, stating Greece became his new home.
According to the report, Walkup also intends to play in the upcoming FIBA World Cup in August. The key decision on whether to grant Walkup Greek citizenship should be made in the short future.
If Walkup receives Greek citizenship and will take part in the FIBA World Cup, it means the doors for Tyler Dorsey will be shut since FIBA allows only one naturalized player in the national teams.
The Hellenic Basketball Federation confirmed the report.
“Regarding reports on Thomas Walkup acquiring Greek citizenship, it is true that the procedures that had begun long ago at the player’s request and with the Greek federation sending a positive recommendation, have been concluded,” Hellenic Basketball Federation spokesperson said.
“Now, and given the fact that the procedures for Naz Mitrou-Long are in the final stage, the basis of the available pool for the national team has been expanded without anyone’s presence being taken for granted,” he added.
Walkup joined Olympiacos in the summer of 2021. Last week, Walkup signed a 4-year contract extension with Olympiacos that will keep him in the Greek powerhouse at least until the end of the 2026-27 season.
Walkup averages 7.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 12.9 PIR over 34 EuroLeague appearances this season.
Dear President, Dear Board Members,
With this letter, I would like to express to you my strong desire to compete in the colors of the Greek National Team for all the reasons mentioned below.
As you well know, for the last few years, I have been competing in Greece at a professional level. From the first moment I came to Greece, I was really impressed by the culture and general history of this welcoming place.
My interest in learning the country’s history and culture has led me to constantly read and learn more and more. This connection helped me integrate very quickly into the culture of the nation, which I now consider my home.
Undoubtedly, the hospitality of the Greeks as well as the daily contact, have made me feel more and more a part of Greece.
I consider that all of the above, which are now part of my daily life, inevitably leads me to ask you to honor me with the highest honor for an athlete, which in this case is to compete with the colors of the Greek National Team.
I think, for my part, I will be able to help the Greek National Team can achieve its goals. I also want to make it clear that if I am given the opportunity to compete in the National team, I place myself at the disposal of the respective Federation coach and also of the Hellenic Basketball Federation in general for any competitive obligation.
In conclusion, I want to point out that I intend to stay in Greece for many years and make this country my place of residence, even after the end of my professional career.
Source : m.basketnews.com
