Simone Ventura

SIMONE VENTURA (G, 6'5/196cm, 2009, Pallacanestro Cantù, Italia)

A player born in Desio (MB) who has always been developed within the PGC (Progetto Giovani Cantù), just like this season where he is playing in the Under 17, Under 19, in Serie B Interregionale (Robur Saronno), and training with the first team. He had a breakout season last year, as demonstrated at the national U17 finals and then with the U16 National Team, with which he played in the European Championship (9.7 ppg, 2.1 rpm, 1.4 apg). He also started this season well, winning the MVP award at the Memorial Alberto Merlati in Asti, scoring 24 points in his U17 debut and 15 points in his U19 debut.

He is a guard with excellent technical and physical qualities, but still with significant room for further improvement. Overall, he is a very mature player, limits forced plays, and is capable of understanding his role within each of the teams he plays for, making himself useful in multiple ways. One of his best characteristics is his catch-and-shoot three-point shot: excellent technique and great effectiveness. He is also very skilled at driving to the basket, primarily thanks to his excellent decision-making and ability to vary his finishes (eurostep, floater...), although he doesn't yet have an explosive first step. He is developing as a ball-handler and passer; also improving his ability to play the pick and roll. He also has a great instinct for off-ball play, reading the defense optimally and often finding space with backdoor cuts. Thanks to his long arms and good mobility, he also has significant upside as a defender, although he doesn't yet excel on that side of the court. His physique is still developing and a work in progress.

The potential to become a versatile combo-guard with a strong physical profile is there and is also very high.