Gabriele Procida after declaring for the NBA Draft: 'My dream of going to the USA remains the same' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Michele Nucci/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire/Scanpix Credit Michele Nucci/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire/Scanpix

Italian swingman Gabriele Procida has officially declared for the NBA Draft, and now his dream to play in the NBA is on.

The 19-year-old talent has spoken with the Italian newspaper Il Corriere dello Sport about the NBA and how he plans to finish the season with Fortitudo Bologna.

"For my future, we'll see how the situation develops overseas," Procida said. "My dream of going to the USA remains. I'll go there without too many expectations, but I'll do my best to succeed. Let's see what's going to happen".

"I don't have any particular preference for a team in which I'd like to play, I think playing in the NBA would be already something great," Procida continued. "I never had idols or players that I take inspiration from, but I'd like to become a player like Jayson Tatum."

In the meanwhile, Procida has to think about Fortitudo Bologna. His team, in fact, is fighting to avoid relegation from the top division, and now every single game will be crucial.

"We know that we cannot make any mistakes now. After the win against Trento, there's some enthusiasm. In the three games remaining, I'll try to give a lot of energy both on the defensive and offensive end, trying to do the best things for the team."

Procida, who's averaging 7.1 points and 3.1 rebounds per game in Serie A while shooting 41% from 3-point, is not completely satisfied with his performances this season, though.

"My experience in Fortitudo so far? On a personal level, I'm satisfied now, but not too much. I think that I could have done more this season, I didn't have a lot of continuity."

Last summer, Procida signed a three-year deal with Fortitudo Bologna, but every summer, there are options on both sides to get out of the contract.

Support BasketNews so we could make even better content.