ITALIAN ACE IS RIGHT AT HOME
Michele is loving life and sport in Livingston
From Los Angeles to Livingston... Michele Carnicella’s basketball story is far from typical.
He’s spent time with some of the best players in the world – but he’s delighted to be suiting up for the West Lothian Wolves.
The 23-year-old shooting guard hails from the Italian city of Bari and has enjoyed a professional career with second and third tier sides in his homeland.
Seven years ago he was able to pick the brains of a trio of NBA All-Stars during a training camp in Los Angeles where he battled with some of the top college talent in the States.
He’s now preparing to help steer the Wolves to National League Division Two play-off success after averaging more than 20 points per game as West Lothian racked up five straight victories to finish the regular season in style.
Speaking about his move to Scotland, Michele said: “I wanted to experience somewhere other than Italy because I love the idea of exploring places and meeting new people.
“I’m a personal trainer and my girlfriend is in Livingston so it was a great opportunity for me to live a little differently and see different bits of the world.
“I enjoy being in Livingston. I enjoy just going for walks during my time off and exploring as much of the area as I can.”
He added: “I went to the States in 2011 for a basketball camp in Los Angeles and had the chance to meet Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Paul George and I got to play alongside some of the top college players in the States.
“That was such an amazing experience and something that always stuck with me throughout my career. I’ve played professionally for three seasons in the second and third tiers in Italy, but last year I decided to dedicate more time to my exams and university studies.
“I ran my own business and gym in Italy and basketball is my passion so when I got the opportunity to come to Scotland, I wanted to continue playing the game at as high a standard as possible.
“I would love to become pro again, even in another country. Basketball is my love and my passion so I spend as much time as I can training and playing.”
The Wolves take on Edinburgh Lions on Sunday looking for a place in the play-off finals and Michele says he has been made to feel welcome at his new side.
He said: “I really feel blessed to be part of the West Lothian Wolves because they are an incredible team – from the youngest ages all the way up to senior.
“Everyone at the club has been amazing to me, they’ve really welcomed me and made me feel part of the team straight away. The first few games have been wins and gone well so that helps as well.
“I feel at ease and comfortable with the club during training and games.
“Basketball is very big in Italy and not so much here, but all the clubs in Scotland work hard to be part of the community and that is something that I feel is very important with the game.
“Play is definitely more physical here and the refs blow the whistle less which is something that I like if I’m honest.
“I hope I can continue to play my role and help the team in the play-offs.”
I’m really blessed to be part of West Lothian Wolves... they’ve made me feel welcome