By Davide Bortoluzzi
Leonardo Totè is the new name of Italian basketball prospects, becoming a legit frontrunner of 1997 generation. Born and raised in Negrar, a small village near Verona (100 km from Venice), he stayed unknown for several years, playing for a small parish club, before moving to Scaligera Verona – a club with a solid tradition in developing talent - during the summer of 2010. Once there his talent was noticed by Umana Venezia, where he played for U17 and U19 youth teams last year. During 2013/2014 season he worked a lot on his fundamentals, shot mechanics and lateral mobility with coach Alberto Zanatta, becoming one of the offensive leaders of the team. Venezia reached the national final of U17 Italian championship (defeated by Virtus Bologna) and Leonardo Totè was included in the top 5 of the tournament.
His development caught the attention of Italian national team coach Capobianco, who called him for both European U18 championships (despite one year under age, he had 2 pts in less than 10 minutes per game) and U17 World Cup, when he was one of the top performers of the team, closing the event with almost 9 points and 4 rebounds.
Standing 6-8 he’s a versatile wing, who could cover three roles at youth levels, thanks to his mobility and shooting skills. From the physical standpoint he’s a little bit skinny and lanky, but he has improved a lot during last season, working on a standard basis with Umana Venezia trainers. He’s also an underrated athlete, since he possess solid athleticism and leaping abilities either. He has a solid mechanics and quick release, with range also from three points, even if he has to improve the midrange game, especially the pull-up jumper. With Venezia’s coaching staff he’s also working on his post game, in order to exploit his height. Most likely his evolution at senior level will be as a small forward, thanks to his excellent footwork and quickness. From the personal standpoint he’s an humble kid with a mild temper, sometimes not fully aware of all his potential.
After his fruitful summer with the national teams I had the opportunity to exchange a couple of words with him. His answers confirmed that Leonardo Totè is a humble kid, strongly committed to become the best possible player.
-Which are your feelings about your first international experience with Italian national team?
It has been an amazing summer that make me richer both from technical and human standpoint. I had the opportunity to train with the national team for two months following the technical teaching and life lessons of coach Capobianco, furthermore knowing guys from all over the world and seeing different ways to perceive and play basketball opened my mind.
-Who is the player that inspires you, or the one you would like to be compared to?
I like a lot Kevin Durant, because despite his height he has a rare combination of quickness and shooting skills.
-After all your improvements, which are your goals?
Even after this unforgettable experience my goals haven’t changed: giving always the best during practices and on the court, enjoying to play and nurturing my dream, maybe worn of “stars and stripes”.
Twitter of the author: @theref140386
Photo: FIBA.COM
