Walter Magnifico (born June 18, 1961 in San Severo, Italy) is a former Italian professional basketball player and coach. At a height of 2.09 m (6'10 14") tall, he played at the power forward and center positions. He is considered to be one of the best Italian basketball players ever, and he was among the 105 player nominees for the 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors list.

Walter Magnifico
Walter Magnifico, 1975
Personal information
Born (1961-06-18) June 18, 1961 (age 63)
San Severo, Italy
NationalityItalian
Listed height6 ft 10.25 in (2.09 m)
Listed weight232 lb (105 kg)
Career information
Playing career1979–2004
PositionPower forward / center
Coaching career2004–2013
Career history
As player:
1979–1980Fortitudo Bologna
1980–1996VL Pesaro
1996–1997Virtus Bologna
1997–1998Virtus Roma
1998–2001VL Pesaro
2003–2004Pallacanestro Firenze
2004NSB Rieti
As coach:
2004–2006NSB Rieti (assistant)
2007Cestistica San Severo
2009Foligno Basket
2012–2013Misano Pirates (Under-19 team)
Career highlights and awards
As a player:
Medals
Representing  Italy
Men's Basketball
EuroBasket
Bronze medal – third place 1985 West Germany
Silver medal – second place 1991 Italy

Professional career

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After playing with the junior teams of Cestistica San Severo, Magnifico spent most of his pro career with VL Pesaro, thus becoming one of the club's emblems. While in Pesaro, he led his team to a Saporta Cup title in 1983, two Italian League championships, in 1988 and 1990, and to two Italian Cup titles, in 1985 and 1992. He also won a third Italian Cup, after his transfer to Virtus Bologna, in 1997.

National team career

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Magnifico was a regular member of the senior Italian national team. He helped Italy win the bronze medal at the 1985 EuroBasket, and the silver medal at the 1991 EuroBasket.

References

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