Italian point guard Niccolò Moretti commits to Illinois

Italian point guard Niccolò Moretti has committed to Illinois.

The 6-foot-2, 165-pound prospect was originally a member of the 2022 class, before deciding to play a prep season at the NBA Global Academy in Australia, thus becoming a part of the class of 2023. Prior to his time in the Land Down Under, Moretti played at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida.

This summer, Moretti represented his home country of Italy, competing in the U18 European Championship, averaging nine points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.

College basketball fans might remember Niccolò’s older brother, Davide Moretti. Davide spent three seasons at Texas Tech, from 2017-18 through 2019-20. The 6-3 guard averaged 9.1 points in his career with the Red Raiders and was a vital part of Texas Tech’s 2019 National Championship run. He now plays professionally in Italy.

Moretti on his commitment to Illinois

“I ended up choosing Illinois because it’s a really good program that can give me what I’m missing right now… to compete at the highest level possible,” Moretti said to On3. “Playing in a tough conference like the Big 10 is definitely going to be a good challenge for me.”

What type of player is the Illini getting in Moretti, in his own words?

“I would define myself as an old-style point guard. I like to make the right and simple play every possession without shooting the ball too much. Also, I can do multiple things on the court offensively. Making the right pass is definitely the one I like the most.”

Moretti has a message for Illinois fans.

“I’m super excited to join the team and start working hard, to achieve big things together!”