Gianluca Basile

Gianluca Basile, known by his nickname 'Baso', made his professional debut in the 95-96 season with Regio Emilia in the Italian Serie B.

In his second season he helped his team to promotion and once in the top flight he began to make a name for himself with his high percentage shooting. After a year and a half with Regio Emilia in Serie A, he made the move to one of Italy's big teams, Fortitudo de Bolònia during the 1998-99 season.

During the five and a half years at Bolonia he became a pillar of the team and a real crowd favourite.

He came to FC Barcelona in August 2005 at the peak of his career after achieving the Italian title with Climamio Bolònia. In Italy he coincided with Zoran Savic in his last season as a player and when he became technical director of the team.

He is a regular in the Italian national team and also played for the Italian under 22 team.

CHARACTERISTICS

Basile is a versatile performer who can offer various tactical options for the coach in a variety of outside game positions, especially as guard or centre. His leadership qualities also make him unafraid to take responsibility for long distance efforts - one of his principal technical virtues.

He's a leader who is full of character who never shirks taking responsibility for lifting the team. His has considerable experience at the top level and always performs at a high level, boasting a points per game average of more than 10.

HONOURS

FC Barcelona
2006-07 Spanish Cup

Fortitudo Bologna
2004-05 Scudetto
1999-00 Scudetto

Italian National Team
2003-04 Silver Medal Olympic Games Athens
2002-03 Eurobasket bronze medal
1998-99 Eurobasket gold medal