Gabriele Procida is a name Jazz Nation might want to get acquainted with.
Announced on May 10, Procida was named the 2023-24 EuroLeague Rising Star. The award — voted on by the league coaches — is given annually to the top rising star of the EuroLeague, considered the best professional basketball league in Europe. Only players younger than 22, on July 1 of the summer before the season started, are eligible for the award.
The Jazz own Procida’s draft rights, acquired from Detroit in the Simone Fontecchio trade this past February. Procida was originally drafted by Portland with the 36th overall pick in 2022 before being traded draft night to the Pistons.
Procida just finished his second season with ALBA Berlin, averaging 8.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 18 minutes per game. He played in 25 games with three starts.
He became the first player from ALBA Berlin to win the award and the third Italian to do so: Andrea Bargnani (2005-06) and Danilo Gallinari (2007-08). Since the award was created in 2005, there is a good track record of previous winners playing in the NBA. Of the 15 winners, 10 have gone on to play in the NBA, including Luka Doncic and former Jazzman Ricky Rubio.
Procida is currently a member of the Italian National Team, having faced Team USA at the recent 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Blessed with unique size and length at 6-foot-8, Procida flashes impressive athleticism and defensive intensity. While his shooting will ultimately determine his role in the NBA, Procida already has an advanced feel for the game despite being 21 years old.