By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Justin Holiday was formally introduced by Virtus Segafredo Bologna to members of the press and media on Monday.
After team practice, the former NBA champion talked about adjusting to the Black V.
“I definitely need more games to better understand my new team and European basketball in general,” he confessed, “I’ve been asked to be consistent on the court, present defensively, covering more roles, and on offense, take those shots I’m used to taking. I have to be myself and play the way I know how to play, especially in the defensive half of the court.”
Earlier in his career, he displayed his talents in Hungary and Belgium. As a veteran of 703 NBA games, he returned to the Old Continent after a trial period with the Bologna-based club. “I haven’t played in Europe for quite some time, but some I had already met, both of my teammates and other players who are currently in Europe,” he mentioned.
After introducing himself to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague with three points over two games, he piled up 14 points in Round 19 of Italy’s LBA UnipolSai Regular Season on Sunday.
“European basketball, EuroLeague basketball especially, is definitely of the highest level and quality,” he pointed out, “It is stimulating to play this kind of basketball, as well as the Italian Championship. But I’m not just talking about the court but also everything around it. I’ve played two home games, and I couldn’t help but notice the warmth and atmosphere of the crowd, even in the game with Partizan.”
“It’s nice to be here in Bologna, a city that breathes basketball, where all the people talk about basketball,” added Holiday, “It spurs you to do more and helps you give your best. This is something I also like because you are led to play better.”
The team coached by Dusko Ivanovic ranks 16th in the EuroLeague with a 7-19 W-L tally, seven games away from a spot in the Play-In Showdown. With limited room to recover in the continental campaign, the focus is on the domestic league and this week’s Frecciarossa Final Eight in Turin.
“I think that this team, but in general at these levels, you have to take the court thinking first of the good of the team and then of the individual. The team always comes first,” he said, “There are no good teams and bad teams.”
“The Italian Cup is a competition in which the loser exits. Very simple. They are also the competitions that stimulate the most and that we all want to play,” he switched to Coppa Italia and the Quarterfinals matchup opposite EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, “Approach, energy, team play are all determining factors.”
“The game with Milano has to be approached like any other game,” the 35-year-old swingman added, previewing the clash of the EuroLeague outfits on Wednesday, “The next game is always the most important one, whether you face Milan or another team. Obviously, my teammates explained to me the importance of this match. The important thing is to take the court with the right energy needed in this kind of match.”