Danilo Fuzaro is a 21 year old Brazilian combo guard regarded by some in Latin America as a first round talent. He had a solid season averaging 8.8 points per game for a strong team and put up 20 per game in the playoffs. He’s very explosive and aggressive attacking the basket, finishing with highlight reel dunks, regularly. He also shows excellent vision and creativity and has drawn comparisons to a poor man’s Manu Ginobili, and may be Brazil’s top guard prospect since Leandro Barbosa. His Italian citizenship allows him to play in Europe and could be added intrigue for an NBA team that could draft and stash him. He has until June 15th to decide whether to leave his name in this year’s draft or wait for his automatic eligible year, 2016. We recently caught up with him to discuss his season and outlook.
NBADraft.net: Congratulations on a tremendous season in an underrated league! Has playing in the NBA been a longtime dream of yours?
Danilo Fuzaro: It’s a dream for any player. I’m not different. I started playing basketball because of the games that I saw from the NBA.
NBADraft.net: How did your passion for basketball come about living in a futball country?
Danilo Fuzaro: I started playing soccer but my older brothers were playing basketball, so I started to go with them to the practices and I became more and more interested in the sport, I left soccer and stayed with basketball.
NBADraft.net: You have until mid June to decide whether to stay in the 2015 draft. What will be the key to your decision?
Danilo Fuzaro: I’m testing the waters. I finished the season very well, in a top league of Americas, so I was curious to know how this can translate to NBA teams. If I see a chance to be a first rounder, I’ll leave my name in and see what will happens.
NBADraft.net: So you need to be a first round projection?
Danilo Fuzaro: For sure, my age permits me to decide if I stay or not this year. So I will stay if I know that it is the right decision.
NBADraft.net: Which events have NBA scouts had the best chance to see you perform?
Danilo Fuzaro: I’ll be invited to play for the Brazilian National Team at the University Games and Pan American games in Toronto. I am also waiting on an invitation to play at the Treviso (Eurocamp).
NBADraft.net: Do you embrace the role of being a leader?
Danilo Fuzaro: It’s a natural thing for me. Despite being young, I have enough experience to earn the respect of my teammates. I’m a natural leader and I like this role. Maybe I’m not a vocal leader, but my attitude during practices and games shows them how serious I am about winning.
NBADraft.net: Describe your game for those that may not have seen you before?
Danilo Fuzaro: I’m a combo guard. I usually play PG and SG. Being 6-foot-5, I can take advantage of my size and strength playing at the 1. I’m very aggressive and I can use my first step to beat my defender. I can finish strong with dunks and lay ups. I have good vision of the court and I can find the open man. I do have a good shot and I like to run the court and put my team in situations to score in easy ways on fast breaks. I love to defend. I can defend smaller players because I’m quick for my size, and taller players as well because of my body. I am a winner, I practice hard and I work hard to improve my weaknesses, like having more consistency.
NBADraft.net: Which NBA player(s) do you pattern your game after?
Danilo Fuzaro: Kyle Irving and Chris Paul are my models but I think my game is most like Michael Carter-Williams.
NBADraft.net: Did you ever consider leaving Brazil to play in Europe at a younger age?
Danilo Fuzaro: Actually, I went to Italy when I was 15. I played there until 2012 and I returned to Brazil because my team was broke. I do have Italian citizenship also, so I am able to return to Europe as soon as I finish my contract here in Brazil.
NBADraft.net: What kind of role (position and impact) do you envision yourself playing in the NBA?
Danilo Fuzaro: I can be a PG on the NBA level. I’m tall, explosive and I play physically, so my game translates well to the NBA. With more maturity, I can be a long term PG for any team in the league
NBADraft.net: At what point did you realize you could potentially have a career in basketball?
Danilo Fuzaro: When I faced Andrew Wiggins and his Canada team at Copa Americas under 18. Brazil won and I defended him the entire game. Many felt that I outplayed him and that was the key to our win. So at this time I gained confidence and I knew I could step forward with my pro career.
NBADraft.net: What separates you from other top prospects?
Danilo Fuzaro: I’m humble to know what I need to improve on but confident enough to know what I can do for my team. I love to compete and to work hard. My physical tools can guarantee me a position in any league, but my mentality is what guarantees my success.
NBADraft.net: Have you made any changes to your diet to improve your body/conditioning?
Danilo Fuzaro: No I haven’t, I already have a strong body. Actually I’m working with a trainer to not lose weight and to stay in good shape
NBADraft.net: Do you drink soda?
Danilo Fuzaro: No, I dont.
NBADraft.net: What interests do you have outside of basketball?
Danilo Fuzaro: I like to read, and to travel.
Danilo Fuzaro Video:
Is asking players whether
Is asking players whether they drink soda your signature question?
Intriguing prospect, will have to dig up some highlights.
Lol
I noticed the soda thing too after the Simmons interview!
Is asking players whether
Is asking players whether they drink soda your signature question?
Intriguing prospect, will have to dig up some highlights.
Lol
I noticed the soda thing too after the Simmons interview!
IMO, Danilo has a higher
IMO, Danilo has a higher floor than George Lucas, but a considerably lower ceiling.
IMO, Danilo has a higher
IMO, Danilo has a higher floor than George Lucas, but a considerably lower ceiling.