SPORTSIDE

The comparison with the French star of the San Antonio Spurs is certainly a bold one, but it is what the young 2007-born Luigi Suigo could aspire to become if he makes the most of his potential. Born in Tradate, in the province of Varese, he joined Olimpia Milano’s youth academy in 2022, where he would later make his professional debut.

Suigo struggled to find playing time in the red-and-white jersey, so in the summer of 2025, he moved to MEGA Belgrade, a team from the Serbian capital renowned for developing young talent and giving players the opportunity to showcase their abilities from an early age. This is exactly what is happening with Suigo.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

A player like Suigo has never really existed in Italian basketball. Standing 220 cm tall and weighing 115 kg, at just 19 years old, he possesses extraordinary physical measurements that set him apart from everyone else. Combined with this physical profile is raw talent that is still waiting to be fully developed. However, Suigo’s ability to play beyond the paint makes him an even more modern player.

He has played 15 games in the ABA League this season, averaging 8 points and 5 rebounds in just 17 minutes per game, while also recording one block per game. In his latest high-profile matchup against Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade), Luigi Suigo raised his game, scoring 14 points and grabbing 9 rebounds. His excellent performance on both ends of the court helped lead his team to victory.

THE MISSING PIECE FOR THE NATIONAL TEAM

Suigo made his debut for the senior Italian national team on November 27, 2025, in a game against Iceland. However, he scored his first points for Italy just three days later against Lithuania, knocking down a three-pointer that showcased his offensive ability from all over the court.

Perhaps it is still too early for a player born in 2007, but Luigi Suigo could be exactly what the Italian national team needs: a center with this kind of size and presence in the paint. In recent international competitions, Italy has struggled against many other European and non-European national teams, often finding itself at a disadvantage in terms of size and physicality.

Playing in Serbia is doing wonders for his personal development, something that unfortunately was not possible at Olimpia Milano. This season could be the one that puts him on the radar of major teams, and who knows? Perhaps one day we could even see him in the NBA.