Gentile's Professional Basketball Career Journey
The professional trajectory of Gentile is a testament to perseverance and growth within the competitive landscape of Italian basketball. From his early days playing under his father's guidance to reaching the heights of the EuroLeague, his career has spanned multiple divisions and some of the most prestigious clubs in Italy.
Early Career and the Climb Through the Divisions
Gentile began his professional journey at Juvecaserta Basket, the final team played by his father, Nando. Competing in the LegaDue (the Italian second division), he later moved to Andrea Costa Imola, where Nando served as the head coach. His performance at Imola attracted the attention of Armani Jeans Milano, a powerhouse in Serie A (the Italian first division) and a club where his father had previously been a star player.
While at Milano, Gentile experienced the pinnacle of European basketball by competing in the EuroLeague, the continent's top-tier competition. However, securing consistent playing time proved difficult at this level. To regain his rhythm, he transitioned to the Italian fourth division, playing for Assi Ostuni and subsequently Aquila Basket Trento.
His tenure with Aquila Basket Trento proved pivotal, as the club earned a promotion back to the LegaDue. This success paved the way for his return to the top flight of Italian basketball, first with Junior Casale and later with a return to Juvecaserta Basket.
Rise to Prominence and All-Star Success
It was during his second stint with Juvecaserta Basket that Gentile truly flourished. Under the leadership of head coach Stefano Sacripanti, he reached a career milestone during the 2012–13 season. Not only was he selected for the Italian All-Star Game, where he played alongside his brother Alessandro, but he was also honored as the game's Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Following his success, Gentile reunited with coach Sacripanti at Pallacanestro Cantù. During the 2013–14 season, he helped lead the team to a third-place finish in the Italian League and contributed to their run in the EuroCup, Europe's second-tier competition, where the team reached the last 32 stage.
Recent Transitions and Current Status
In July 2015, Gentile signed a two-year contract with Pallacanestro Reggiana, followed by a move to Virtus Pallacanestro Bologna in April 2017.
More recently, Gentile has continued to navigate the Italian leagues. On March 31, 2024, he joined Trapani Shark of the Serie A2. Most recently, on June 28, 2025, he signed with Napoli Basket of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA).
Key Facts
- Career Peak: Named MVP of the 2012–13 Italian All-Star Game.
- European Experience: Competed in both the EuroLeague (top-tier) and EuroCup (second-tier).
- Family Ties: Played under his father, Nando, at Andrea Costa Imola.
- League Versatility: Has played across the Italian first, second, and fourth divisions.
- Latest Club: Signed with Napoli Basket in June 2025.
Career Summary Table
| Club | Division/Competition | Notable Achievement/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Juvecaserta Basket | LegaDue / Serie A | All-Star Game MVP (2012-13) |
| Andrea Costa Imola | LegaDue | Coached by father, Nando |
| Armani Jeans Milano | Serie A / EuroLeague | Top-tier European competition |
| Aquila Basket Trento | 4th Division | Earned promotion to LegaDue |
| Pallacanestro Cantù | Serie A / EuroCup | 3rd place in Italian League (2013-14) |
| Pallacanestro Reggiana | Serie A | Signed two-year contract in 2015 |
| Virtus Pallacanestro Bologna | Serie A | Joined in April 2017 |
| Trapani Shark | Serie A2 | Joined March 2024 |
| Napoli Basket | LBA (Serie A) | Joined June 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team did Gentile play for when he won the All-Star MVP?
Gentile was playing for Juvecaserta Basket when he earned the MVP award at the 2012–13 Italian All-Star Game.
What is the difference between the EuroLeague and the EuroCup?
The EuroLeague is the top-tier, wide-scale European basketball competition, while the EuroCup serves as the second-tier level of competition.
Who is Nando in relation to Gentile?
Nando is Gentile's father, a former star player for Armani Jeans Milano and a coach who led Gentile at Andrea Costa Imola.
Did Gentile ever play in the lower divisions of Italian basketball?
Yes, he played in the Italian fourth division with Assi Ostuni and Aquila Basket Trento to gain more playing time early in his career.
Which club did Gentile join most recently?
Gentile signed with Napoli Basket of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) on June 28, 2025.