(Learning on the fly - For #4 David Lighty, it is all about taking in as much experience as possible as an American Rookie on a strong, veteran-laden European power) - image - Pallacanestro Cantu 2011)
Buckeye - David Lighty (Rookie)Position - Guard/Forward
Team - Pallacanestro Cantu aka Bennet Cantu or simply Cantu
Location - Cantu, Lombardia (Italy)
League - Lega A Basket aka Serie A (Italy's top division of basketball) & the Euroleague
Profile - Well here it is...a new continent, a new country, new languages, a new lifestyle, and a new style of basketball...imagine being a young professional and having to learn on the fly while at the same time being asked to perform at a high level versus Europe's best competition.
The uniqueness of an American Rookie joining a top European club squad can not be stressed enough..it is just something that fans of international basketball do not witness very often. Yet, the difficulty in stepping in as a rookie and contributing to such a high caliber squad can not be reiterated enough either. David Lighty will be competing against several talented players who will have the edge in International experience. For Dave, these next couple of months will be about playing through his rookie dues, weathering the ups and downs of high level Europe, and working toward his strengths which will only expedite the blossoming into a big time pro.
David Lighty has a strong support system in the form of a good coach & team to give him plenty of time as he adjusts to the international game. Head Coach Andrea Trinchieri's style is offensive balance fueled by good ball movement coupled with strong defense. This is the formula that Cantu used to advance all the way to the Italian League Finals last season. They do not have an eye-popping roster at first glance, but Cantu has several players who can do a little bit or lot of everything like former Oregon star Marty Leunen (F), Italian veterans Basile (G) & Marconato (C), and versatile Serbians Micov (F) & Scekic (F). (The quickest way that Lighty can make his mark on this veteran team is by playing to his strengths which is high every defense, taking pivotal charges and getting out in transition.) It's going to be fun to watch his progression throughout the season. (Cantu's Roster)-Biggest October Games -
10.1.2011 - Bennet Cantu vs Montepaschi Siena - Italian Super Copa Finals (remath of last year's Italian League finals vs powerhouse & defending Champion Siena in the Supercoppa Final! Wow!)
10.9.2011 - Bennet Cantu at Vanoli Cremona (Italian season league opener on the road in Cremona)
10.16.2011 - Bennet Cantu vs Dinamo Sassari (Italian League Regular Season home opener)
10.19.2011 - Bennet Cantu vs SLUC Nancy (Euroleague game #1 vs the defending French Champions!)
10.26.2011 - Bennet Cantu at Caja Laboral (Euroleague game #2 - Cantu travels to Spain to face Caja Laboral!)
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