By Stefan Acevski / info@eurohoops.net
On Thursday evening, Venezia defeated Virtus Bologna 89-85 in Game 3 of the Italian Legabasket Semifinals.
Among others, Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson attended the game, watching Saliou Niang, whom Cleveland selected in the draft.
After the game, Atkinson gave an interview to Sky Sports, where he initially spoke about the phenomenal atmosphere.
“The atmosphere is fantastic. Entering a building like this, with 3,000 wild fans, the passion for Italian sport, Italian basketball… and then the Italians themselves. It’s really something special. I believe that every basketball fan should live such an experience. I love Italian sport and I love Italian basketball. It’s great to be back in Europe and experience a match like this.”
Atkinson also talked about Niang, noting that he reminds him of Andrew Wiggins.
“I’m excited about him. I just told him: you’re going to be an NBA player. You will be an important player in the rotations. He is a great athlete. He is a young guy who plays against real men, experienced players. He is also very intelligent basketball-wise: he reads the game well. He is a great passer and game creator. For Niang, the sky is the limit. He can become a really great player. It reminds me of Andrew Wiggins who I had when I was an assistant at the Warriors. From an athletic point of view he is very similar to him”.
He first saw Niang during the Summer League and commented on what has changed since then.
“The Summer League is a lot of fun, as you know. Every Italian fan should go there, because you can see all the young talents. The first thing that struck me about him was his defense: he was extremely active and defended very well. The second is that he is a great teammate. He has a positive attitude. He always talks to his teammates, encourages them. Play with joy. We’re lucky: we made a shot by taking him in the second round of the draft.”
Lastly, he spoke about the level of talent coming from Europe to the NBA and revealed that he borrowed a few plays from his colleagues during the match.
“The development system here is excellent. Look at Niang: he plays against grown men, in a high-pressure environment, in matches that really matter. That’s how you grow up. I believe that European players, having to emerge through a path like this, become mentally stronger. In addition, the level of coaches in Italy and Europe is very high. I assure you: I learned a lot from them.
And tonight I also stole some schemes from my friend Neven! And also by the coach of Bologna. He drew a fantastic throw-in from which Carsen Edwards scored a three-pointer. I thought: ‘I’ll take this scheme!’. I always steal. It happens all the time.”
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