By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
In the last LBA Round, Olimpia Milano didn’t manage to beat Reyer Venezia in Mediolanum Forum, but there were still space and time to celebrate a legend of the club, on the anniversary of the club’s 2nd European Championship. At halftime, in fact, Dan Peterson was honored by the red-and-white team, with the retirement of the number 36 – year of birth of both the club and the American head coach – jersey.
“It’s time to thank everyone, first my great champions, without them this moment would not have been possible. My technical staff, the Olimpia of the past, a great team, Adolfo Bogoncelli, Tony Cappellari, Cesare Rubini (always in my corner), the family Gabetti and Giorgio Armani, who wanted me here again in 2010-11, allowing me to correct, in part, the mistake of retiring too early. I want to thank him for everything he does for Italian sport. His image is an incomparable business card, he twice saved our Olimpia, bringing it back to the top of Italian and European basketball. Then my wife Laura, who is a little excited. Last, but only on the list, all the fans and the media, even in the most difficult moments you have always been our sixth man. From the first to the last year, without you, we would not have made it. Thanks again all”, Dan Peterson said thanking the fans.
“Unfortunately we could not pay tribute to a legendary coach who made the history of our club. For all that this day has meant, we would have wanted to play a better race and obviously to win it”, Ettore Messina said following the loss against Reyer Venezia.
Before the game, the 87-year-old basketball legend was interviewed by Olimpia Milano TV and recalled memories from the past, such as the Grand Slam season in 1987. “We completed the Grand Slam, we won the title three times in a row, other Cups. But I made a mistake. I’m sincere. I should have gone forward. But I was spent, emotionally, I didn’t want to hold Olimpia hostage of myself. I should have asked for some weeks to recharge and go to a beach because it was a mistake. I had to stay. Not to win necessarily, but to take care of a rebuilding plan”, he said.
PHOTO CREDIT: EA7 Emporio Armani Milan