Nicolas Balassone

Nicolas Balassone, 6’4″ Italian Shooting Guard from Victoria Libertas Pesaro U19, committed to Southwest Virginia Community College. The journey of a young European basketball player aspiring to play collegiate ball in the United States is rarely a straightforward one. It requires immense dedication, perseverance, and a touch of serendipity. For Nicolas Balassone, a 6’4″ Italian shooting guard from Victoria Libertas Pesaro U19, that journey has culminated in a scholarship offer from Southwest Virginia Community College for the 2025-26 season. Balassone’s path to the States began with a significant commitment: a five-month intensive training program at EuroProBasket’s University Prep Program. This program, designed to bridge the gap between European talent and American college basketball, provided Balassone with a rigorous schedule of four hours of daily training and a multitude of competitive games. The program’s focus on developing players both physically and mentally proved crucial in preparing Balassone for the challenges of American college basketball. His time at EuroProBasket wasn’t just about repetition and routine. He was also granted a pivotal opportunity to showcase his skills on a significant stage. Balassone was selected to participate in the prestigious Torneig Ciutat de Torrent, an elite youth basketball tournament held in Torrent, Spain. There, he competed against some of Europe’s top youth teams and faced off against players with potential NBA futures. This experience provided invaluable exposure and allowed Balassone to test his abilities against high-level competition. The combination of intense training and high-profile tournament appearances proved to be a winning formula. Balassone’s talent and potential caught the attention of numerous college coaches and programs, resulting in multiple scholarship offers. After careful consideration, he ultimately decided to commit to Southwest Virginia Community College. Southwest Virginia Community College, located in the heart of Appalachia, offers Balassone a unique opportunity to continue his basketball development while pursuing his academic goals. The program’s focus on player growth and its commitment to providing a supportive environment are perfectly aligned with Balassone’s aspirations. Balassone’s story is a testament to the power of dedication and the opportunities available to international players seeking to pursue their basketball dreams in the United States. His commitment to the EuroProBasket program, his consistent performance throughout the program, and his overall talent have paved the way for his exciting journey to Southwest Virginia. As he prepares for the 2025-26 season, Balassone carries with him the hopes and dreams of countless young European players who aspire to follow in his footsteps. His journey is a reminder that with hard work and determination, even the most ambitious basketball dreams can become a reality.