Sometimes, it’s best to look back at your younger days and just laugh.
That’s the case for Andrea Bargnani, the former Toronto Raptors centre who was asked about his iconically infamous commercial for Primo pasta and sauce during his time with the team.
During an episode of Raptors Open Gym presented by Bell, the big Italian was asked about the TV spot during an interview.
“Do you remember doing a commercial?” a man asks from behind the camera.
“Yes, I already know what you’re talking about,” the former first-overall pick replies before bursting out laughing.
A clip of the commercial is shown with Bargnani working out on a basketball court and putting up some shots.
The voiceover says: “Before he steps out on the court, he must be ready for anything.
“Exercise and drills help Andrea stay game ready but to be fully prepared Andrea needs to eat right.”
Cutting back to current-day Bargnani, the retired centre – who now sports some grey in his beard – says, “I didn’t shoot many commercials in my life.”
When asked by the person behind the camera if the former Raptor knew who shot the commercial, Bargnani could not recall.
It is then revealed that another person on set was the man behind the camera for the Primo spot.
“That’s not a … don’t be so proud,” Bargnani then joked before breaking out laughing.
After another clip of the commercial, Bargnani reveals the impact the commercial had on him.
“It’s going to stay with me for the rest of my life.
“What can I say?” he said with another laugh. “It’s not much to say.
“It’s history.”
After being selected first overall by Toronto in the 2006 NBA draft, Bargnani played seven seasons with the Raptors.
During his time in Toronto, Bargnani averaged 15.2 points per game, but he was often criticized for his lack of rebounding ability, pulling down just 3.9 boards per game despite his 7-foot frame.
In 2013, he was traded to the New York Knicks for Marcus Camby, Steve Novak, Quentin Richardson, a 2014 second-round pick (Xavier Thames), a 2016 first-rounder (Jakob Poeltl) and a 2017 second-round pick (Jonah Bolden).
He played two seasons with the Knicks before signing with the Brooklyn Nets, who then released him in Feb. 2016.