By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After initiating talks with Matteo Spagnolo during the offseason, Baskonia officially signed the 22-year-old Italian guard to a three-year contract on Monday.
The youngster was released from his contract with ALBA Berlin last Friday.
Playing for the team based in the German capital over the last two years, Spagnolo became a veteran of 52 appearances in the EuroLeague. During his 2024-25 journey, he produced 9.6 points, 3.8 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.5 steals per contest. The domestic portion of last season amounted to 9.7 points, 3.0 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.7 steals per game.
Before the Albatrosse in 2023, he made his professional debut with Stella Azzurra at age 14 and later moved to Real Madrid, alternating between senior and youth teams. Between 2021 and 2023, he focused on loan assignments in his home country with Vanoli Cremona and Dolomiti Energia Trento.
In addition, Spagnolo was involved in the 2022 NBA draft, selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 50th overall pick. Shortly following the draft, he also played in the NBA 2K23 Summer League, but has yet to complete a jump to the league based in North America.
Heading to the upcoming EuroBasket 2025, his senior international career with Italy already features participation in the FIBA World Cup 2023. The Brindisi native was also capped in the Qualifiers of the 2022 and 2025 editions of EuroBasket, and the 2023 installment of the World Cup. Back in 2019, he captured a bronze medal in the FIBA U16 European Championship.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net