One of the point guards who raised a lot of eyebrows at the U18 European Championship for Men was Andrea De Nicolao ('91) of Italy. The youngster averaged just under 15 points per game and helped his side to a seventh-place finish in the tournament. De Nicolao was then invited to Poland to take part in the Champion U18 All Star Game. He is now with Benetton Treviso in Italy, one of the most famous clubs in Europe. De Nicolao, the son of the late Padova coach Pierluigi De Nicolao, answered Jeff Taylor's questions for FIBA Europe.

First of all, let us know a little bit about you that is not related to basketball. Do you come from a big family with a lot of brothers and sisters?

Andrea: Yes, I have two brothers. Giovanni is 13 years old and Francesco 16 years old. They also play basketball.

In school, which subjects did you enjoy? Were you interested in mathematics, languages, history, art or something else?

Andrea: I like to study history and languages.

Speaking of history, is there a museum that you like to visit? Do you have a favorite artist or painting?

 Andrea: I don't have too much time for (museum) visits and reading, etc., because every day I'm in the gym. But when I go on travels, I'm really interested in the different cultures.

Italy is also famous for its food. What does your mother or father cook that you especially look forward to?

Andrea: I like very much pasta and pizza!

Now for the basketball. Andrea, you have a remarkable opportunity at Benetton Treviso, one of the most famous clubs in Europe. Tell us how long have you been with Benetton and about the experience so far.

Andrea: This is for me the second year in Treviso. Before I was in Padova in my father's team and there, I learned to play basketball.

How old were you when you first played?

Andrea: At five years old I started to play basketball in Padova with my father. In fact, my father taught me basketball.

Which players did you like to watch, both in Italy and in the NBA? Also, do you try and model your game on another player?

Andrea: In Italy, players like (Montepaschi Siena's Terrell) McIntyre and (Armani Jeans Milano's Massimo) Bulleri, NBA players like Steve Nash and Chris Paul. For me it is a dream to become like Steve Nash!

At Benetton, you are a teammate of Daniel Hackett, someone who competed in American college basketball before turning professional this season. Were you ever tempted to play college basketball in the United States?

Andrea: I have never thought about it but certainly it is a big dream! And Daniel Hackett tells me always about his experience in college.

You enjoyed an excellent summer with Italy and played at the U18 European Championship. How important is it for you to represent your country?

Andrea: For me, it is really important and an honor to play for my country. And I'm really happy for my European Championship.

Were there any important games, or moments from the U18 European Championship that you remember?

Andrea: Every game is important when I play for my country, but certainly the game against (Croatia's) Toni Prostran for me was really important, because he is my friend and certainly one of the best players in Europe in my position.

You were also invited to play in the Champion U18 All-Star Game, which was staged during the EuroBasket in Poland. Did your confidence grow by taking part in that game?

Andrea: Of course. For me, an experience like this is really important for my future.

What are the things that you will need to improve on to be a solid professional player?

Andrea: I need to improve my shot and my body.

Do you have any long-term goals, or dreams, when it comes to playing professional basketball or representing your country?

Andrea: Certainly my dream is to play in the best Europe level and my BIG dream is to play in the Olympics for my country.

 

 

Photo: FIBA Europe / Pascal Allée