By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Milan opened its pre-season, and coach Ettore Messina met with the local media for what was essentially the first press conference of the season.
And speaking about the expectation in this season’s EuroLeague, Messina confirmed that the plan of the competition is to expand even more, from 20 to 24 teams, with two two-group format, or “divisions” if you prefer to call them this way.
As Messina said, starting from the favorites of the upcoming season: “Everyone says the two Greek teams, the Turkish clubs, and Real Madrid are in. So there are five teams, and there’s one spot left for accessing the playoffs directly, and we are not mentioning Barcelona or Monaco. This is the reality of the EuroLeague: everyone has strengthened its roster, and we have expectations, but the teams that demonstrate greater cohesion on and off the court will get the results. It’s a transitional season, as we await the 24 teams in a two-group format. But the format is difficult to accept as of now.”
Of course, coach Messina wanted to speak about losing Giorgo Armani: “I obviously want to have a thought for Mr. Armani, even though it’s easier to say platitudes than sensible things under these circumstances. You all know what he meant to this club and to the Italian and European basketball community. Obviously, beyond everything he meant to his profession, our commitment will be to do our best to remember him in the best possible way.”
Messina also welcomed coach Peppe Poeta to his staff, confirmed that the team will be extra careful with Josh Nebo and Vlatko Cancar, because of their past injuries, and Marko Guduric, due to returning from the Eurobasket with tendinitis.
He also praised newcomers Lorenzo Brown and Quinn Ellis, who are expected to give a boost in the point guard position.