The Front Row

Dumb question alert, but does this kid have to sit out? I assume no if he played for Italy, correct?

Originally from Italy (born and raised) but came to the U.S. to play high school basketball at Findlay Prep in Nevada. So, he'll be eligible right away this season (2012-13).

Has anyone else noticed that the few guys from Italy that are in the NBA have all proven to be pretty good? I thought Andrea Bargnani would be a huge bust when he was the No. 1 overall pick. Nope, solid player. Hurt this year and plays on an awful team, but he was anything but a bust. Not a star, but certainly not a bust. (Course, I suppose you could make the argument that if you're taken No. 1 overall and don't develop into a star, you're automatically a bust. But I wouldn't go that far. Michael Olowakani was a bust. Bargnani is a very-solid NBA player.)

There's also Danilo Gallinari who was a good player for the Knicks, was part of the Carmelo Anthony trade, and is now a good player for the Nuggets. Very young too -- hasn't even come close to reaching his peak.

The other first-round pick from Italy in recent years was Marco Bellinelli and he's also a steady NBA player. Plays on the awful New Orleans Hornets and a lot of people probably haven't heard of him, but he can play. Really good shooter.

I just find it interesting that we don't see many players from Italy come over to play in the NBA, but the ones that do have proven to be good. Maybe we're seeing a bit of a trend beginning here. Hey, they have to do something in Italy when it's not soccer season (besides drink a lot of wine and eat a lot of pasta).

Oh okay. Sounds good to me! We are desperate for an outside threat. If Della Valla can bring it, that will help. Thanks!

I remain skeptical about his ability to make meaningful contributions at this level, no less in the rugged B1G, BUT a great aspect of this guy is that he is an exceptional student. He was asked about his eligibility and transition to American academics/schooling a while back and he laughed (rather innocently) remarking how easy it was for him compared to the course work back home and that he has had all As his entire time here etc. Regardless, we need bodies for practice and reaching out to that HS powerhouse for future prospects certainly can't hurt either.

Sibert is gone. Not an option.
I would rather have Sully than Parker - but again not an option.