27131072
Chris DelBrocco has toured the United States through basketball, going as far west as California and as deep south as Florida. One place the guard from 12th and Bigler streets hasn’t played is Europe.
That is, until this week.
June 6, DelBrocco departed for a 10-day trip to France and Spain with Team USA, playing in an international tournament against European squads. The Gwynedd-Mercy College junior, along with 14 other Division III players, is on the tour, which concludes June 15. DelBrocco, who has surpassed the 1,000-point plateau, said he was surprised by the invitation.
"They only picked 15 Division III kids in the whole country, so I was a little shocked," the 21-year-old said.
The trip could clear the way for going pro overseas, similar to former St. John Neumann teammate Robert "Beatie" Taylor playing the 2005-06 season in Ireland.
"I want to play professionally in college like a few of my old teammates do," he said. "I’ll have a chance to get some exposure and be seen by scouts."
With a majority of tournament contact done via e-mails and letters, DelBrocco left for Europe not knowing much about his teammates.
"Going into it, I’ve got to have an open mind," he said. "I’ve got to do what’s best for the team, whether it’s playing the whole game or 10 minutes a game.
"I haven’t looked up my teammates, as I am not going to develop friendships. I am going to play basketball, I almost have to look at it like a job."
In order to make the trip, DelBrocco needed an early wrap-up to two weeks worth of work for his two summer classes. This meant taking a final in statistics, which includes learning some material not yet taught in class.
He might also need to take a crash course in French and Spanish in Europe to help with the language barrier.
DELBROCCO, A FORMER Review Male Athlete of the Year, knows what it takes to succeed. As a guard for the former St. John Neumann Pirates – now the Neumann-Goretti Saints – he helped the squad capture Catholic League titles during the 2001 and ’02 seasons. The latter was, of course, more memorable, as he finished the game with 20 points, making 60 percent of his three-point shots. As a senior, DelBrocco earned All-Catholic recognition.
On the college level, the athlete earned Second Team All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference honors during the recently completed 2005-06 season. He earned 15.1 points per game, made three-pointers (56), and scored his 1,000th career point. Freshman and sophomore years, he was second on the team in scoring.
"In college, my role is a lot different," DelBrocco said. "I am now asked to create a lot more and make plays on my own. It’s a role I enjoy."
He also has a familiar teammate in a fellow Neumann grad. Kevin Lauer is a junior forward-center for Gwynedd-Mercy and has received All-PAC Honorable Mention recognition. In 18 games, Lauer averaged 12.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and posted eight double-doubles.
The two still have senior year to improve on last season’s 12-15 mark, which included advancing to the conference tournament semifinals.
For the next week, DelBrocco, a business administration major, will focus on helping Team USA make a strong showing and possibly lay the foundation for a future overseas.
"I just want to see what the competition is like and get a feel for the different countries," he said. "I hope we do real well."
