Recruiting Report: Matteo Busnardo (2017)

<p>The energy from <strong>Matteo Busnardo</strong> is streaming through during a phone conversation.</p><p>Basketball season is ticking ever so close, and you better believe Busnardo has the date circled on his calendar.</p> <p>“December 1st,” he says. “I can’t wait.”</p> <p>Busnardo has reason to be excited. Coming off a strong summer with the talented Colorado Chaos D1 Ambassadors 16s Elite team, the 5-foot-11 sharpshooting guard is eager to transfer his improvements to the high school arena, where he believes he can make waves this season.</p> <p>“I think my leadership ability is a lot more than what it was last year,” Busnardo said. “Last year I was just kind of there. This year, I think I can step forward and take the role as more of a leader of the team. I’ll have a big opportunity to score, play defense and be vocal. Last year, there were other guys that were doing that. Now it’s my turn.”</p> <p>That’s not to say Busnardo was a wallflower last season. Playing in 18 varsity games as a sophomore, he averaged 4.6 points per game while shooting 39 percent (16-of-41) from 3-point range, the best mark on the team.</p> <p>Justin Nelson, who coached Busnardo with Chaos this summer, told said that his pupil has what it takes to become a highly efficient outside shooter.</p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana"><span style="font-size:9pt">He has a quick release, can come off screens and knock down shots in a quick hurry,” Nelson said. “He has really gained confidence and has grown offensively this spring and summer.”</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana"><span style="font-size:9pt">Nelson was most impressed with how Busnardo used his marksmanship from the perimeter to create other opportunities with pump fakes and hard drives to the basket – avenues Nelson said “opened up a whole new game” for Busnardo.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana"><span style="font-size:9pt">Mullen, which went 8-16 last season, will certainly be able to use a player who can create on the offensive end this season, especially while they play without top prospect <strong>Nate Davis</strong> for what will likely be at least the first month of the season as he recovers from ACL surgery. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana"><span style="font-size:9pt">“Matteo is going to have a big role at Mullen this year and I am sure he is going to rise to that challenge,"</span></span> Nelson said.</p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana"><span style="font-size:9pt">Busnardo said much of his excitement for the season stems from the energy he has seen from his teammates during offseason workouts.</span></span></p> <p>“The work ethic that we have has shown through,” he said. “The fact that everyone has been showing up to our optional (workouts), it shows that a lot of guys care. A lot of people have shown that they are excited to get going, and we’re all on the same page.”</p> <p>Busnardo’s recruiting has been light so far – he’s had some interest from NAIA schools – but he believes he will have the stage to demonstrate the skills this season that he believes can make him an ideal Division II player.</p> <p>Busnardo believes his shooting ability can put him on the map. But he wants to show schools he can bring even more than that.</p> <p>“I think just being an overall leader,” he said. “All teams need that, and I think I can definitely fill that role wherever I play.” </p>