Simone Fontecchio has changed a lot in recent years. Italy (Olimpia Milan, Reggio Emilia), Germany (Alba Berlin), Spain (Saski Baskonia) and finally the United States. A change of country per year which is not easy for a family to manage, even if only in terms of language. “ It was a lot “, admits the Italian.
“ I can’t even imagine how difficult it is. But you can see it in his face every day, the way he interacts with everyone and the way he moves, there’s a different confidence in Simo this year “, remarks his coach Will Hardy.
A cosmopolitan workforce
The difference is that, rather than moving again, the winger continues his second straight season in Salt Lake City. At 27, the father found the beginnings of stability. “ Being in the same place for two years in a row is very important. My daughter goes to school now, my wife has friends here and habits. So it’s easier. You know, last year, at this time, we were trying to find out where we stood. »
The advantage in this Jazz team is that he can rub shoulders with other foreigners (Lauri Markkanen, Omer Yurtseven, etc.) who have also gone through these adaptation phases. Like Luka Samanic. “ We immediately hit it off. He’s a good person, a good guy, a competitor who likes to have fun. And if there’s bad energy, he always manages to make everyone feel better », Describes the Croatian.
Used more for three matches
Despite these good signals which go beyond just the field, the leader of the Italian selection is experiencing a statistical regression. His shooting percentages have evolved very favorably (47% including 39% from 3-point range), but his playing time is down slightly, as is his number of points.
His coach is however well aware of his value: “ He has been a professional for a long time. He has the ability to stay ready. Whether he plays a lot or not for a minute. He’s a shooting threat, which is great for us. But I’m more excited about everything else. He’s very good at cutting, and he definitely has a lot of character that I think our team needs. »
More mobilized since three matches and the tenure of Ochai Agbaji, Simone Fontecchio says she feels “ ten times more comfortable. The guys know me and I know them. We would, of course, like to win a few more matches, but it’s nice for me. It’s nice and I’m surrounded by a lot of great guys, great people, great staff who believe in me.” he concludes.
| Simone Fontecchio | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2022-23 | UTH | 52 | 15 | 36.9 | 33.0 | 79.5 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 6.3 |
| 2023-24 | UTH | 9 | 11 | 47.1 | 39.1 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 1.9 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 4.6 |
| Total | 61 | 14 | 37.9 | 33.6 | 79.5 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 6.1 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
