Young Samuel Deguara, the tallest basketball player in Europe at 2.23 metres, will soon start his adventure at top Italian club Benetton Treviso.

Earlier this summer, he had signed a nine-year contract with the Italians.

Maltese men’s national coach Bruno Dipietrantonio says Samuel been been given this opportunity and will have to make the most of it. “The Treviso adventure is no joke. There, he will play for several teams in different categories at the club. He is, in fact, eligible to play for the Under 16s, Under 18s and Under 20s and that will enable him to play twice and sometimes, three times a week,” said the Italian coach.

Dipietrantonio says the boy will be under the charge of an Italian coach and will be given personal care. “If he pays attention to what he is told to do in the forthcoming two years, then I am sure he will reach European top levels. He has to be patient even if he is advantaged by his extraordinary height,” he said.

Magistrate Tonio Mizzi, the president of the Malta Basketball Association, is well aware of Deguara’s potential, but warned the youngster that unless he is ready to work hard, then he will not be successful. “Benetton Treviso is one of Italy and Europ’s top clubs. He is going there to learn, but obviously he will have to work hard to succeed. If that is so, I am convinced he will be able to make the grade.

“He only has to show goodwill towards training and dedication to the game as well as commitment to his team if he is to be successful. He is definitely an interesting player in European circles and I am sure we will be hearing a lot about him in future,” he said.

Magistrate Mizzi also said that the MBA was grateful to the French Association for providing his mega size 58 basketball shoes. “They are made purposely to fit his feet,” said Magistrate Mizzi.