Matteo Spagnolo

SPAGNOLO- THE ITALIAN PRODIGY

The third Italian drafted on Thursday was Matteo Spagnolo. The Apulian guard was selected 50th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Unlike Procida, the former Stellazzurra player is still under contract with Real Madrid, the 2018 Spanish Champions, who owns him and requires a buyout agreement to release him. Before leaving for Italy to get the court time he seemed unlikely to get in the Spanish capital last season, Los Blancos handed him a three-year contract. Spagnolo had long been regarded as one of Madrid’s brightest young prospects. He will most likely have a new loan experience after his loan at Vanoli Cremona last year.

The 19-year-old, who stands 6ft 5in, is a top playmaker with superb game management, fine vision, and shooting ability that he has perfected to the point of becoming a reliable marksman from nearly any distance. In defense, he has a talent for exploiting his height and power to get an edge over opponents. Spagnolo has long been regarded as a prodigy, dating back to his professional signing with Real Madrid at the age of 15 and subsequent debut at the age of 17. He is an average athlete who struggled on defense, but his positional size and combo-guard skill set make him an intriguing flier at this position.

SPAGNOLO- CREATIVE PLAYER WITH A FUTURE IN EUROPE

It’s difficult to find players with this type of creative thinking who have previously had some professional success. Spagnolo has been a fantastic prospect throughout his career and took that next step this past season while on loan from Real Madrid. He’s huge for a guard, which should allow him some leeway. He should be able to develop even better with the ball as he grows into that frame physically, since he can keep players on his hip and protect them from the ball.

Like Procida, Spagnolo is a good stash choice. There is still work to be done on his shooting off the catch, but if the Timberwolves are patient, this might come out pretty nicely. He may not be athletic enough for the NBA, but he has a great shooting stroke. The Wolves will send him abroad.

Matteo Spagnolo (PG | 193 cm | ‘03) ~ Italy

12.0 pts, 2FG-38.9%, 3FG-16.7%, FT-79.3%, 6.4 rebs, 4.6 ast, 1.4 stl, 1.6 to, 0.0 blks

Similar situation as with Spain & Caicedo. Spagnolo was one of the youngest players in Italian team and by far their best player in the tournament. High IQ floor general type of a player that loves to have things under control and doesn’t make many mistakes. Usually taller than his matchup and knows how to use the size advantage. Has a great and explosive first step and has no problems getting to the rim where he is showing some good touch in around the rim finishes. He struggled with the shot from distance but the mechanics look fine and he is a much better shooter from distance than he has shown in this tournament. His court vision and passing game is on a high level and shouldn’t have much problems orchestrating the offense on a higher level.

Matteo Spagnolo (’03), Real Madrid, 6’4”, G
15.8pts, 2FG-50%, 3FG-42.9%, FT-57.1%, 6.5reb, 5.3ast, 0.5stl, 3.3to, 1blk
(Written by Igor Chytrzynski)

Italian guard is an equally dangerous shooter when creating his own opportunities 1 on 1 as well as when coming off of double screens for a catch and shoot. Matteo has very good handles and ball control, allowing him to take his opponent off balance in the lane, but if that’s not enough he can quickly step back, nicely set his feet and quickly pull up. Smooth looking shot, confident in his abilities, made some tough shots in the tournament and drained few important ones down the stretch with a hand in his face in the Final. Also, very good at penetrating inside, can go and finish with either hand with ease. Legit secondary playmaker, unselfish, makes right reads and delivers the ball accurately. Primarily known for his scoring and playmaking ability but Matteo can also make a difference on the defensive end. He is a very good stopper and although he is not very disruptive, he plays sound positional defense. Can keep his man in front, has a solid stance and feet, but could improve his footwork while getting over screens. Soon to be a legit contributor for the senior Real Madrid team.

Italian player came from Stella Azzurra. I watched him a couple of times with his team last year and also he had minutes on the U18 Adidas Next Generation Tournament. Matteo was the top acquisition for Real Madrid past summer. Really talented 193cm guard who plays with a lot of strength, likes to clash with the defender and penetrate towards the rim. Good shooting, with quite deep range. Plays the pick and roll nicely and is able to finish it or just to assist teammates. I saw a better passing vision than what I was expecting and what I saw from him in Stella. Especially he had a really good cooperation with Juan Núñez. He seems like he’s a player who likes to have the ball lot of time. Also, is a good helper on the offensive and defensive rebounding thanks to his body. Knows how to win position and then protect it to grab the ball.

Matteo Spagnolo (#9 – 190cm) is one of the best prospects of this tournament who personally I was so hyped to watch mainly due to his offensive skills and abilities to play 1v1. Also has a good shooting including off the dribble and has good accuracy even well defended.