Drake Diener to Play in Italy

Former DePaul Blue Demon shooting guard Drake Diener has signed a one year professional basketball contract to play in Italy for Ignis Castelletto Ticino according to the team’s website. The signing was announced by Gianmaria Vacirca, director of operations for Ignis Castelletto Ticino.

Diener arrived in Italy (Malpensa Airport, Milan) early this morning for medical tests and later signed the contract.

“It’s a great moment,” Vacirca said via email. “It is a big honor for us that Drake’s career will restart in Castelletto Ticino.”

Diener’s professional career was sidetracked by a year after a battle with Crohn’s disease. Drake is now ready to return to the basketball court.

The former DePaul University sharpshooter and 24 year-old Fond du Lac Wisconsin native will be well suited for international play.

According to the team’s website, Ignis Castelletto Ticino will open play on August 25th against Bo Ryan’s Wisconsin Badgers. Diener will no doubt be looking forward to playing against a college from his home state.

The 6-6 guard will be introduced to press and fans at Castelletto Arena, “PalAmico”, on Saturday at 11 a.m.

Team Website

http://www.basketcastelletto.it