By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Newly established capital city franchises, Maxima Roma and Roma SPQR, are deep in the assembly phase as they prepare for debuts in the BKT EuroCup and Italy’s LBA UnipolSai. Both organizations are actively finalizing coaching staffs and player rosters before the 2026–27 campaign opens.
According to a recent Corriere dello Sport report, Maxima has shifted its coaching search toward veteran tactician Sergio Scariolo. The club, which secured its top-flight position via the relocation of Germani Brescia, turned to the former Real Madrid head coach following the initial pursuit of fellow EuroLeague icon Ettore Messina. Fresh off official approval from the Italian Basketball Federation, they view the 65-year-old Italian tactician as a premier international figure capable of stabilizing a roster that currently inherits players from the Brescia sporting title transfer.
Meanwhile, the team backed by Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic is establishing its internal infrastructure. Club officials are reportedly working to formally secure Igor Milicic as head coach. On the court, the project has already landed its primary marquee piece, previously confirming former Golden State Warriors guard Nico Mannion as the foundational signing of the new roster.
While the two Rome-based franchises scramble to construct competitive operations from the ground up, established domestic competitors are locking down consistency. Elsewhere in the league, Umana Reyer Venice announced a one-year contract extension for 32-year-old forward Jordan Parks. The New York native has been an indispensable part of the roster over the past four seasons, accumulating 58 EuroCup appearances exclusively with the Venetian club.
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