THE CHARACTER
It was the year 2011 when the film “Scialla!” (Stay calm) which marked the film debut of Filippo Scicchitano as Luca, a turbulent teenager who faces a series of vicissitudes typical of his age. In the film, the skill of the protagonist is most striking, often able to remain calm even in difficult situations. A similar expressiveness can be found in the young Nutribullet guard, Giordano Bortolani, a talented 21-year-old called to the consecration after showing talent to spare in his early beginnings as a senior. On the pitch, in addition to a stylistically flawless shot, Bortolani shows a calm and measured attitude, very mature compared to his young age. Talking to him, it is easy to understand that he is a simple boy, with no big crickets in his head but one: basketball.
Let’s start from the origins: what memories do you have of your native land?
“Not very many to tell the truth. I was born in Sant’Agata di Militello, in the province of Messina. Dad used to play Capo d’Orlando and I grew up there in the early years, then I moved to Palermo and finally to Milan when I was five. My memories and my life were formed above all there: I started playing basketball and I went to all the schools in Milan ».
What student was he?
“Oh God what a question (laughs, ed)! I’ve always done what it took to keep going, three years of scientific high school and the last two of sports high school. But if I have to be honest I didn’t like it very much, and I went there pretty little because of my commitments with basketball ».
What relationship do you have with your family?
“Very good, dad Lorenzo was a basketball player who made it up to Serie A. He met my mother in Capo d’Orlando, then when I arrived he significantly reduced his commitment to basketball, even if he stayed away from the fields it was difficult. He and my mother Anna have always supported me in all my choices, and made me feel responsible ».
In fact, looking at the geography of his career, he has never strayed far from home.
“It’s true, I’ve always stayed pretty close to my family. I try to go back to them whenever I can because they are my pillar, along with my younger sister and my friends. Sometimes I miss them, and also miss the life of the neighborhood where I grew up. When I come back, for example in the summer where there is more free time, I often go to play on the pitch with friends, it is something that makes me feel good, a way to be close to the people I love “.
When did you realize that basketball could have become a job?
«From the last years of the youth academy. I played well, I scored a lot and even if I didn’t earn a euro (laughs, ed) I sensed that I could do it “.
What have been the reference figures in your evolution as a player?
«Two youth coaches, Luca and Simone, who forged me as a player. Growing up, above all Nando Gentile, who saw potential in me and gave me lots of advice on how to improve and how to set up a professional career ».
Bortolani’s dream?
«Playing in the Nba».
A defect?
“I get very angry with myself because I am very demanding and I want to achieve improvements and results quickly, instead I should be more patient and look at things in a broader perspective with a longer time frame”.
What temptation can’t he resist?
“To sweets. I would eat lots and all kinds of them, but I have to be careful with my diet. Obviously I can keep myself in check, but if I could I would eat tons of it ».
What do you do in your free time?
«I like listening to music, especially rap. A few years ago I liked American rappers, now I prefer Italian ones. Then I like being with friends, going out and having fun with them ».
He has the look of the good guy: never out of line?
«I did some bullshit too, especially when there were engines involved, but nothing sensational. In the end, basketball has always been the guiding star for me and it was my biggest incentive to go straight. “
Finally, let’s take away a curiosity: where does the choice of the name Giordano come from?
“It was a name my parents liked a lot, and then I found out I had a grandfather named Giordano. I like it a lot because it’s a tough name and above all it’s not common, you don’t hear many around ». –
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