European Prospects

After having talked about 8 out of the 16 teams that are playing at the main court of Udine; in day 2 I saw the other 8. In this paragraph I also wrote some news from the other court about great performances or injures occurred to some prospects.

Stella Azzurra Roma – Aurora Desio 73 – 65

In the first game of the day Stella Azzurra Roma defeated Aurora Desio 73 – 65 in a very exciting game. Roma was led by the 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists of 1994 point guard Alessandro Grande, together with him 1995 big men Valerio Cucci and Amar Alibegovic added 16 pts+11 rebs and 10 pts+5rbs+2blk. But main expectations were all about 1997 guard Andrea La Torre, who scored 9 points and added 6 rebounds in 17 minutes, and showed is advanced ball handling skills which allow him to push the fastbreak himself from the rebound. He also buried 2 threes in transition.

Victoria Libertas Pesaro – Virtus Siena 45 – 72

In the second game of the day, Virtus Siena showed all his power outscoring Pesaro. 1994 playmaker Marco Cucco confirmed that he has nice playmaking skills and a terrific sense for the pass while he scored 10 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished 2 assists. 1994 forward Corrado Bianconi showed his ability at rebounding and on the defensive phase along with a good number of offensive solutions : he had 10 points and 7 rebounds in 18 minutes. The other 1994 guard/forward Riccardo Rovere played a good game confirming that he is a team player with a huge attitude. 1996 forward Pierfrancesco Oliva struggled with his shot, but shown his rebounding skills with 9 in 22 minutes. He definitely has to improve in defense.

Blu Orobica Bergamo – Basket Rimini Crabs 60 -58

In the third game of the day Bergamo was able to recover a 15 points deficit in the last quarter and overcome Rimini after an overtime. The biggest delusion came from 1995 Bergamo’s forward Alessandro Spatti who has definitely the best technical skill in this finals, but disappears form the match when it becomes physical.

For Rimini 1994 guard Lorenzo Brighi showed he is a good athlete and a good rebounder with a nice 3 points shot (4/7 yesterday), he has to improve his passing skills.1994 center Nicolò Marengo alternates awesome post moves and energy plays with moments of complete absence from the match like missing easy layups or silly turnovers. Attitude and want to fight together with nice low post moves are the main abilities for 1996 center from Republic of San Marino Igor Biordi.

Nesti&Nelli Toyota Don Bosco Livorno – Reyer Venezia 42-74

In the last game of the day, Venice won against Livorno. Livorno missed so bad the absence of the 1995 forward/center Lorenzo Benvenuti who is injured and out for the finals. However they found the usual good and intense performance by 1995 guard Saverio Mazzantini, a fighter who scored 15 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and stole 3 balls.

For Venice 1994 big man Francesco Candussi played for the team as he has always been faced man to man in a box and one defense while he was on the court. His 20 minutes were enough to see his athletic skills are improving, especially side mobility and overall speed. His inside game is still under construction but he showed some improvements also here, including the ability pass the ball to on open shooter from the post. 1994 center Vincenzo Pipitone has really a strong body, a sweet hand from 4-5 meters and he’s a huge rebounder. The best news come from 1995 forward Nicola Akele who showed big improvements in his shot, it’s 3 points one is not still reliable, but he’s on the right way to become a modern small forward.

• Montepaschi Siena – PMS Moncalieri S. Mauro 66-40
• Assigeco Casalpusterlengo – Virtus Eurobk 68-50
• Cus Torino – Pall. Biella 63-62
• Unipol Virtus Bologna – Armani Junior Milano 72-68

Bologna risked a lot with Armani Milan. Ankle injury for 1994 forward Aristide Landi whose use today is going to be a gametime decision.

Giovanni Battista Gerometta is a 23 year old Italian coach and former player. He is currently working as assistant coach and responsible of opponents’ scouting at Graphistudio Vis Spilimbergo in Italian DNB (4th national league). He is also head coach of Spilimbergo’s under 14 team. You can contact him at : gbgerometta@gmail.com