Recruiting Report: Valentino Grasiuso (2017)
Valentino Grasiuso of Alexandria, and Uruguay, is an unusual story and the state won’t let him play but he will likely be the most recruited junior varsity player in Minnesota this year. “I was born in Durazno, a small town…
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Continue ReadingValentino Grasiuso of Alexandria, and Uruguay, is an unusual story and the state won’t let him play but he will likely be the most recruited junior varsity player in Minnesota this year.
“I was born in Durazno, a small town in central Uruguay,” Valentine said. “I am 19 and currently a senior in high-school.
“Three years ago I decided to come to the United States as a foreign exchange student to play basketball and go to school,” Grasiuso said.
“So I finally arrived to Alexandria, Minnesota. Since it was January and the season was already started, I was not able to play ball for the school, but I did play AAU for the Elite West Central United 16u team.”
Valentino only stayed for a semester but he greatly enjoyed his experience in Minnesota.
“As my exchange was over I had to go back to Uruguay. I was in touch with the high-school principal in Alexandria and he knew my desire to come back to the States for a longer time.
“They, along with my family, helped me doing all the paperwork and in August of this year I came back to finish my senior year and stay for college too.”
Many would love to watch Valentino play varsity for the Cards but they will have to watch the JV to see him.
“This is my second year at Alexandria, and since international students just get one year of sports and I would count as a recruit, I cannot play basketball on the Varsity team.
“Although I can not play for varsity, I am going to be playing in the JV team. This does not allow me to get much exposure but it is my way to practice with the varsity, stay in shape and gain new skills.”
Grasiuso grew up playing in Uruguay and was taught well there.
“I have been blessed with the opportunity of playing in Uruguay, and have good coaches. I have played tournaments in many countries in South America and was on the National team process for my country.
“This European style of basketball I have been playing since I was born is I think what makes me special here in the U.S. and allow me, although I am short, to highlight on the court.”
NHR asked Valentino about his top accomplishments on the court both here and in South America.
“One of my biggest achievements in my young career as a basketball player was making the professional team from my club back in Uruguay while I was 17 years old. It gave me a lot experience playing with older and bigger guys.
“One of the top games so far, was while playing AAU, I cant remember exactly which tournament was but we got the win to go to semi-finals and I scored 31.
“I also received in my club in Uruguay an award for better three-point percentage in the club, and was nominated for most assists.”
Valentino is playing as often as he can to get ready for college hoops.
“I am attending Alexandria Area High School. Now practicing with a men’s league team, and training with one other guy at the YMCA every day while I wait a couple more days until school practice starts.
I also lift at YMCA and at the school every other day in the morning.”
After seeing Valentino play at the Top 250 Expo one school is calling him so far and more will likely look when they learn who he is and when he is playing.
“This time next year I would like to be playing college basketball pushing myself everyday to become the best player I can. I know I am capable enough to make a D2 team as I have talked to.
“I would also like as a freshman to take some responsibility and I’m confident in my game to do it, to prove myself every day in practice and games that I am committed with the team.”