Why Fabio Basili is a solid flex option for Louisville basketball

I scoured the internet in order to break down what Fabio Basili brings for a Louisville basketball team desperate for productive minutes at the guard spot.

Those unfamiliar with fantasy football won’t understand some of the references that follow. While this isn’t the forum to explain exactly how this works, please know that if the men’s Louisville basketball team was your fantasy squad, you may have stumbled upon a deep sleeper in newcomer guard Fabio Basili.

Before you scoff and roll your eyes, first hear me out.

Coach Kenny Payne was hired for a multitude of reasons. I’m here to remind you of one: his evaluation of talent.

There’s probably not a single recruiter who has had a greater impact on the NBA than Payne. His recruiting-prospect-to-draft track record is staggering. Many of those now-Millionaires, all-stars and NBA champions attribute much of their growth and success to him.

Knowing all of this, why are some Louisville fans shaky on Fabio Basili?

Louisville’s guard is up

The talk all summer surrounding the Louisville men’s basketball fanbase can be summed up with one major keyword: guards.

The Kenny Payne naysayers have had their feast and licked the bowl dry. Only a short few months after Payne’s heartwarming introduction as head coach, doubt once again was rearing its ugly head.

I’m not here to bash the doubters. Not at all. I understand the paranoia. Louisville basketball simply hasn’t looked or felt the same since Rick Pitino’s departure. At every turn, another obstacle. I get it. That’s where all of this is coming from.

Alas, Payne manages this particular roster, and in doing so he must plug and play the best options available.

And I’m here to tell ya — if I’m Payne — Basili is a solid flex play.

I watched the tape, folks. There are things you’ll grimace at, sure. But overall, the pros far outweigh the cons. And I’ll tell you why.

Basili’s pros and cons

I always like to hear the “bad” news first. Combing through the game footage, there are noticeable flaws in Basili’s game.

CONS: His shot wind-up is slow overall, but even slower in catch-and-shoot situations (I won’t stress too much on this because of his length and age, this can be helped).

In half-court sets, occasionally Basili would appear to become impatient with the possession and react hastily.

Rushed shots and ill-advised passed followed.

Basili’s skillset needs more time to mature, which is good because, again, that’s one thing he has on his side.

Perhaps the most glaring glitch is his ball control. Basili handles a very available rock at times and will need to improve his strength and tact with the ball if he intends to compliment his court vision. The kid is just raw.

That, however, brings me to his redeemable qualities.

PROS: If this was a buy or sell segment, I’m buying and investing. If the only variable in the equation is time and experience, plugging in Basili is a no-brainer.

Every shortcoming in Fabio’s toolbox is hampered by his number of game reps and the maturity of his body.

That being said, allow me to make the Fob hater look absolutely ridiculous.

Fabio’s court vision and basketball IQ are astonishingly advanced for his age. On many occasions, I witnessed him weave through defensive sets seamlessly, often avoiding reaching defenders and potential shot blockers to create his own gliding finishes and passing lanes. Many of these types of plays looked effortless. Lots of “Whoa did you see that” energy.

The popular knock on Basili is how much he avoids contact on dribble drives. If you really study the film, you’ll see that his length and agility are what allow him to do so. Basili averaged over 20 points and 7 assists per game on a state semifinal team, Oak Ridge (FL); A team-best.

None of this is by mistake. Oak Ridge ran an up-tempo, rotating offense that fires at will. The Pioneers applied pressure defense that gambled consistently in passing lanes. Basili’s quickness bothered foes all season long.

Even with a slower shot, Basili was able to connect on 39% of his three-point field goals last season. It’s a lower release than desired, but a familiar former Card and current Milwaukee Buck had similar criticism. (NOT SAYING BASILI IS THE NEXT JORDAN NWORA).

Above all, maybe the greatest attribute Basili possesses is his passing, especially in transition. It’s a thing of beauty, really. Here’s where his value really shines through for Payne’s roster.

A solid flex option

Referring to our notes, Kenny Payne intends to run an up-tempo-style offense and apply intense defensive pressure to speed the game up. This should be familiar to Basili, and one would assume this is part of why Payne offered the reclassified point guard.

At 6’4” (or possibly taller) and 165 pounds, Basili arrives at UofL almost the exact same size as a familiar guard that excelled in his short stint with the Cards — David Johnson (6’5”, 170).

Stay with me. Johnson was more than a flex option in his time at Louisville, so please don’t think I’m going blind homer here. That dude was a set it and forget it.

However, I have gotta say, the similarities in how raw, but confident, they have with each other are kind of odd. They each play downhill all the time. Both have a knack for being patient in the lane, and letting the game come to them.

I know, I know. Why did I pull the David Johnson comparison out of my hat? I almost feel guilty opening that can of beans. Truth is, Louisville has never had a point guard of similar size, at a similar age, that can do similar things. That’s just facts.

Under the brightest lights last season, Fabio brought the heat. Oak Ridge’s matchup with Tampa Catholic was supposed to showcase TC’s Karter Knox, a Louisville 2023 prospect, who is currently a top ten player in the nation. On that night, however, Basili stole the show.

Knox ended up with 16 points for the winning team, but Fabio carved up Tampa for 26 points and 6 assists. Comparatively, Tampa Catholic held Michigan point guard commit Christian Anderson to a mere 14 points. Anderson averaged over 30 ppg on the season.

You’ll find instances like this all throughout last season. Basili showing up in big games. Taking the challenge to task.

Fabio may not be a five-star freak of nature, but his size, quickness, and play-making ability allow him to contribute to a roster that could use a confident flex option.

In my opinion, he’s one of the most intriguing newcomers in the ACC. Don’t take my word for it. I’m just here for the “Fob Lobs”. Watch the clips yourself.