Source: Shelburne News Article

Anthony Spagnolo of Shelburne has declared entry into the 2011 National Basketball Association (NBA) draft.

The UVM senior last played for the St. Anthony Sabercats, a high school club team, in 2007 when he guided them to an unbeaten season. The 6'3" 180 lb. Spagnolo is a physical, sharpshooting point guard who knows his role on the court. "I know I can shoot the ball. But that's not my role on the court. I take great pride in my passing," he said. "I know someone is open before they do."

On the verge of a tryout he earned with the UVM basketball team last winter, Spagnolo tore his right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), nearly ending his playing career. Two screws and three months later Spagnolo is ready to reclaim his shot.

"It's always been my dream to play in the NBA," Spagnolo admitted. "It took a very special group of kids I coached this year to make me realize I still wanted it as much as I said I did. I know my chances are very low, but they'd be even lower if I didn't give it this shot."

Spagnolo realizes that the road to the NBA will be difficult if not an impossible journey, but he doesn't seem to mind.

In August Spagnolo should be medically cleared to play and his training will begin in earnest. "I will be following an independent training program until March," he said. "Then comes the hard part. I have to find a way to make the list that allows me the opportunity to try out. That will be a challenge," Spagnolo admitted.

"I feel like my basketball career didn't end right," Spagnolo explains. "The hard work was supposed to pay off. To have it taken away by something out of my control was devastating. I just want my chance back."