TTM Stats
- Sent: 4/29/2022 | Received: 5/12/2022 | 13 Days
- ’91 Front Row, ’91 Fleer, ’91 Upper Deck
- Address: Robert Morris University (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Mike Iuzzolino’s basketball journey is a story of perseverance, hard work, and determination. Despite being overlooked due to his size, Iuzzolino carved out a memorable career that spanned college stardom, a stint in the NBA, and success in Europe. His path is a testament to the power of grit and passion for the game.
Born on January 22, 1968, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Mike Iuzzolino grew up with a love for basketball. Despite being considered undersized at 5’10”, he developed a reputation as a sharpshooter and a floor general in high school. His impressive play earned him a scholarship to Penn State University.
Iuzzolino began his college career at Penn State but transferred to Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania, where he truly thrived. At Saint Francis, he became one of the best players in the school’s history. As a junior and senior, he averaged over 20 points per game and led the Red Flash to the 1991 NCAA Tournament, their first appearance in over three decades. His performance earned him All-American honors and cemented his status as one of the top players in college basketball.
Despite his stellar college career, Iuzzolino faced doubts about his ability to compete in the NBA due to his size. Undeterred, he was selected in the second round of the 1991 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. Iuzzolino made an immediate impact in his rookie season, averaging 9.3 points and 3.7 assists per game while shooting over 40% from three-point range. He followed that up with a solid sophomore season, showcasing his shooting and playmaking abilities. However, after two seasons with the Mavericks, he found himself out of the NBA, a victim of changing team dynamics and roster moves.
Iuzzolino didn’t let the end of his NBA career slow him down. He took his talents to Europe, where he found great success in Italy and Spain. Playing for several top clubs and he became a fan favorite for his scoring and leadership. His European career lasted nearly a decade, and he helped his teams achieve significant success in domestic leagues and international competitions.
After retiring from playing, Iuzzolino transitioned into coaching and broadcasting. He served as an assistant coach at Duquesne University and other institutions, sharing his knowledge and passion for the game with young players.
In addition to coaching, Iuzzolino worked as a basketball analyst, providing insights and commentary that drew on his extensive experience. His deep understanding of the game and ability to communicate it effectively made him a respected voice in the sport.
Mike Iuzzolino’s basketball journey is a classic underdog story. Despite facing doubts at every level, he consistently proved his worth through hard work and determination. His story resonates with anyone who has ever been told they weren’t good enough, reminding us that success is often about heart and perseverance as much as it is about talent.
Today, Iuzzolino remains a beloved figure in the basketball world, particularly in his native Pennsylvania and among fans in Europe who watched him play. His legacy is one of grit, resilience, and an unwavering love for the game.
The Score on Mike Iuzzolino – 7.0
Mike has a nice signature but in the image below its a good look at the levels how how a card image or design can get in the way of the signature. On the 1991 Fleer card it’s the darkest and busiest image and design, so you see the signature the least. The Upper Deck card on the other hand has a better place to sign, but he is signing over the lettters. But the best card of the three is the Front Row card as there’s just a natural place to sign.
Thanks Mr. Iuzzolino! I’m giving this return a 7 overall.
This is my second successful return from him. To see the first successul return, check out my post from April 2023.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Basketball Reference.