By Rafal Juc
Amedeo Della Valle ('93), who during last summer was one of the best scorers at U18 European Championship, shines in Findlay Prep School team after coming over to the United States. Being anonymous for most of EC spectators, Della Valle was the biggest surprise. In the first four games he combined for 90 points and was the highest scorer. But then, in a battle with Latvia, Amedeo injured his back during dunk attempt. "I was really sad because I missed all the most important games, but for sure it was a nice competition for Italy", looking back.
It’s worth to admit that Della Valle never had an earlier occasion to show up at international level and he made his debut rather late, because at age of 18. "He was in the starting five in the Cisternino tournament before the U16 European Championships, then he had a leg problem and missed the possibility to go with the team. Last year, he was in the best five of the U17 Italian final tournament. He was again unable to go to the US for a tournament in December, because he had a problem with his knee. And in February, when his LegaDue team had an injured player and requested him to stay with the club, he didn't go to the national team", explains his father.
Not everyone knows that Della Valle’s father, Carlo, was successful player, and competed for 15 years in Italian leagues, playing mainly in Torino and Rome. He averaged 10.1 points and two assists in career.
Surprisingly Italian guard has decided to put off his professional career despite fact that his club Junior Casele has reached a promotion to Lega Basket, first division in Italy. Della Valle moved to Findlay Prep School, where for sure he will achieve solid learning on basketball. Meaningful is fact that four former Findlay players were selected in 2011 NBA Draft: Tristan Thompson, Avery Bradley, Corey Joseph and DeAndre Liggins.
Playing with such talented prospects as for example future Arizona star Brandon Ashley or Anthony Bennett, who is ranked nine in class 2012 according to prestigious Scout Hoops ranking, Della Valle is still learning American style of basketball. "There is a lot of work to do for me. I need to be stronger and faster for sure", Della Valle knows. Nonetheless he is shining now, becaming one of the best available players from 2012 class. Findlay Prep, with 6-0 record, is head-on high school teams in all United States. In addition, Della Valle averages 16.3 points per game, having this season 11, 13, 13, 19, 29 and 13 points.
Shouldn’t be so shocking that many mid-majors schools seem to be interested in Della Valle. 6’6'' guard lists Cal, Arizona, Gonzaga, Georgetown, St. Mary's, UConn, USC, UCLA, Boston College, UMass, Utah and Portland. "It’s too early to predict to with which college I will sign. I’m planning to do it on spring after visiting few campuses", explains the guard. Firstly he unofficially visited Tuscon during Arizona’s home loss 57:61 to San Diego State. "Coach Sean Miller just told me they really need me. He needs a guy like me, a guy who can make the right plays. They want to use me at point guard, completely at the point", ends the italian.
Twitter of the author: @rafjuc
Photo: Findlay Prep
