By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
He was almost signed by EA7 Milano, but Drake Diener up in Eurocup and not in Euroleague. According to Eurohoops sources from Italy, “Mandrake” is leaving Sassari in order to sign with Reggio Emilia and not with Armani Milano. Reggio Emilia made a last minute offer and according to sources is very close to reach a deal with the player.
If this move become a done deal, it would clarify also the situation in Milan. There are many rumors lately about the possibility of the team releasing Daniel Hackett, because of his possible punishment by the Italian basketball federation. Hackett left the national team camp and according to the federation he didn’t have a proper excuse. In that case Diener was presented also as a possible replacement of Hackett. However, with the American sharp shooter out of the picture, Milan seems to be backing Hackett. It remains to be seen if that’s the case with the player having a contract until the summer of 2016 with an NBA buy out the summer of 2015.
UPDATE: The deal between Reggio Emilia and Drake Diener is now official.