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26.06.2009 13:00
Basile to stay another year
Sònia de Alba
FC Barcelona have confirmed that point guard Gianluca Basile, following an exceptional season, will be staying at the club for at least one more year.
Gianluca Basile is prolonging his stay in Barcelona. The Italian has extended his contract to include 2009/10, his fifth on the club books after also extending his stay last season. His original contract was just for two years, with the club having the option of breaking ties with the player after just one season.
Star player
Neither Basile nor the club had any doubts that he should stay, being
one of the key players both on and off the Barça court. He has provided some important scores this
term, including the winning 3-pointer in the first game of the ACB final series with TAU, but also
contributes to defence and other intangible aspects within the squad.
Committed to the club
Basile describes last season as “a big step forward
in my career. I am 34 years old and some might say I’ve done enough, that I am here and have
come to do my bit and nothing more. But I’m not like that and never was. The club has
believed in me and shown patience. In these four years I have returned to the club what it
deserves.” He was speaking at the end of season supper.
Setting an example
Baso joined Barça in 2005 from Climamio Bologna, brought here by his former Bologna coach, Zoran
Savic. And he has proven a true professional ever since. Xavi Pascual, the current head coach,
considers the Italian a centrepiece in his plans, and has always a supported a player who seems to
understand basketball in exactly the same way as he does.
