Gianluca BASILE
BASILE, Gianluca
STRENGTHS: Has class and temperament. He’s powerful, has great legs and good upper-body strength. He’s an example for his teammates, a pure leader who gives his all and takes his responsibility in the crunch time. He can fill any position on the court as he is complete, technically as well but his speciality is coming off the block for the three. Good stop-and-shoot. A winner. WEAKNESSES: He’s not a young player any more and has used (and abused ?) his body over the years as he gives everything he has week in week out. That includes risks of injury as he will push himself and take excessive responsibility even when not at 100 per cent. As the years go by, he tends to become more of a perimeter player, creating less off the dribble and therefore finding fewer openings for his teammates. CARREER: Grew up in the extreme south of Italy (Puglia region) but became an important player in Reggio Emilia where he went through the youth ranks. After a great 1997-98 season, he moved to Bologna where he played till 2005-06. Not only did he become the captain but also the symbol of a team that achieved great things in Italy as well as in Europe. Great performer as well with the Italian national team. Played its last four seasons in Barcelona, helping the team win the Euroleague title last May 2010. EVALUATION: One of the best guards in the old continent in the past ten years. Great achiever whether it be at club level or with the national team. Underestimated in Europe for a long time, he should have been acknowledged as a top class European performer long before signing for Barcelona. Amazing shooter who leads (or used to lead) his team playing with all his heart to beat his opponent. He’s not any more the player he was a few years ago but he can still be clutch and win games with his long range shooting.
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