A former NBA and Olimpia Milano man for Trieste basketball
Official: Denzel Valentine at Trieste Basketball
Pallacanestro Trieste completes its outdoors department with the signing of Denzel Valentine, an American guard born in 1993, who recently wore the jersey of Olimpia Milano, as well as having played in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Utah Jazz.
He began his basketball journey at Sexton High School in Lansing, Michigan, where he finished his senior year with an impressive team record of 27 wins and one loss. His growth continues at Michigan State University. During his junior year, he stands out as one of the best players in the Big Ten Conference, earning a spot in the league's third quintet.
In the 2025-2016 season comes the final consecration. Valentine, significantly improved his performance, reaching averages of 19.2 points, 7.8 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game. Numbers that allow the team to win its fifth conference title, but also earn him the Associated Press's National Player of the Year nomination.
In guigno 2016 he was selected with the 14th pick in the Draft by the Chicago Bulls, where he remains until 2021. In his NBA career, Denzel also wears the jerseys of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Utah Jazz, totaling 260 appearances in the league. In the 2023-2024 season, he decided to undertake an overseas experience, playing for the Sydney Kings in the Australian league. His excellent performance in Australia opened the door wide for him to Italy, where he played four games with Ettore Messina's Olimpia Milano.
"We are thrilled to announce that Denzel è is now officially part of the Trieste Basketball family – the words of General Manager of the biancorosso Michael Arcieri – Denzel’s basketball resume speaks for itself; è a great competitor and a winner. His outstanding ability to play both with the ball in his hands, creating opportunities for himself and teammates, and without the ball, proving to be a reliable scorer and a constant threat in three-point shooting, makes him a perfect fit for our team and our style of play. We are thrilled to see Denzel donning the red and white and we extend the warmest welcome to him and his family to our Trieste."
