Udine Ponders Its Future with Denzel Valentine
The two consecutive losses in Serie A have sparked debate within APU Udine, with particular attention focused on the performance of Denzel Valentine, one of the Friuli-based team’s key summer signings.
The former Chicago Bulls player—who also played for Olimpia, Trieste, and Venice—arrived in Udine with the goal of becoming one of the offensive cornerstones of the team coached by Adriano Vertemati. Early signs were positive, especially in the season opener against Scafati, when a string of three-pointers in the second quarter helped turn the game around.
As the weeks went by, however, the American’s performances became somewhat inconsistent, fueling doubts among some fans. There had already been some warning signs in the victory over Cantù, before the difficulties that emerged in the subsequent games against Trento and Treviso. In the most recent game played at PalaVerde, which ended in a 102-86 loss to Udine, Valentine scored just 8 points—all in the second quarter—and failed to make an impact in the other quarters of the game.
After four league games, his averages stand at 14.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in about 30 minutes of playing time. His shooting percentages stand at 37.3% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc, with an average of about ten three-point attempts per game. Rounding out the picture are a 12.5 efficiency rating and three turnovers per game.
His individual performances also show a decline in offensive output. After scoring 17 points against both Scafati and Cantù, Valentine scored 15 against Trento, before scoring just 8 in the road game at Treviso. In the game against Aquila Basket, he also finished 3-for-12 from three-point range.
A comparison with last season in Trieste—which ended with averages of 15.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists—highlights, above all, the decline in his contribution to facilitating the offense and creating opportunities for his teammates.
