The 22-year guard spoke to the press for the first time since joining the Spanish side
Matteo Spagnolo: 'Baskonia is the right step'
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Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz guard Matteo Spagnolo was officially introduced to fans and the media in a press conference, where he made his ambition and commitment to the club crystal clear.
The Italian guard spoke openly about his reasons for joining Baskonia, including the opportunity to reunite with head coach Paolo Galbiati, whom he previously worked with during the 2021–22 season at Vanoli Cremona.
"Of course, knowing that Paolo would be the coach was a big plus for me," Spagnolo said. "But honestly, I had no doubts even before he was signed. I’ve always heard great things about Baskonia, and having worked with Paolo before only made the decision easier."
Spagnolo also shared a light-hearted anecdote about his arrival in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
"The first thing that happened when I went to the supermarket was that some kids asked me for a picture," he laughed. "From that moment, I realized how passionate the fans are here and how much the city loves basketball. Even though I’ve only been here a few days, I already feel like I’m working well with the team and the coach."
After averaging 8.5 points and 3.6 assists over 52 EuroLeague games with ALBA Berlin in the past two seasons, Spagnolo is now back in Spain – where his journey began with Real Madrid’s youth system – and is ready for a new chapter with Baskonia.
"I’m really happy to be here," he said. "I’ve been working hard because I want to win a lot of games and bring joy to the fans in Vitoria. I’ve always seen this as a place where people work the right way, and it feels like the perfect next step in my career."
Spagnolo described himself as a versatile player ready to contribute in multiple ways.
"I’ll play point guard or shooting guard – whatever the team needs. I can help in transition, in the pick-and-roll, attacking the rim, rebounding... I want to bring a lot of energy and do whatever it takes to help this team win."
Baskonia will tip off its EuroLeague season at home against Olympiacos Piraeus on September 30.