By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
Luka Doncic officially confirmed his involvement in the ambitious basketball project in Rome, as the group led by former NBA executive Donn Nelson completed the acquisition of Vanoli Cremona and its move to the Italian capital.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Slovenian star addressed the ongoing NBA Europe discussions and expressed hope that the NBA and EuroLeague will eventually cooperate rather than compete.
“For me, the best outcome is that they find a way to work together. I spent years in the EuroLeague before arriving in the NBA, and those years shaped every part of my game. So I hope the collaboration works well for both sides.”
Doncic also made it clear that his role in the Rome project goes far beyond a simple financial investment, insisting that the goal is to build a competitive club capable of growing into something important for the city.
“For me, this is not just an investment. I want to build a club that can compete at the highest levels and that means something to this city. Rome deserves the best, and we are ready to give it that.”
The Lakers superstar additionally reflected on his personal connection with Rome, recalling a youth tournament he played there as a teenager with Olimpija Ljubljana — an experience he considers an important moment early in his career.
“Rome is a special place for me. I played in a tournament there when I was 13 years old. It was one of the first times, with my Olimpija Ljubljana team, that I played at a high level in front of a crowd outside Slovenia. After that experience, my career really started to take off. Coming back now, in this role, is something I could never have imagined at that age. It feels like closing a circle.”
While avoiding details about the roster, coaching staff, or budget, Doncic promised that more announcements will follow soon and underlined the club’s ambitions from the very beginning.
“There will be news soon, and I don’t want to reveal too much yet. But I can tell you that we will build something the whole city can support. We are coming to Rome to win.”
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