Bologna –
After finishing the first practice day of the new season, Coach Banchi met with reporters and take a review of the new year that is about to begin: “There is great anticipation, impatience. Like every fan, we on the team also have a desire to see the potential of a group that from day one shows itself willing and determined. The previous season left us a bit bitter taste in our mouths because of how it ended, and in the wake of that we are looking to leave with fierce determination to make a season of a different profile. So many changes, the possibility for me to be able to intervene on the team from day one, to work together, to take advantage of the work of last year, thanks to the support of those who have returned, because they will be instrumental in accelerating the processes of aggregation of the new ones. These are concepts of the game already ingrained that we should be able to inculcate in the new ones, and the contribution I’ve been here since day one, let’s try to take advantage of the work done last year, thanks to those who came back, there are concepts of the game already ingrained that will have to be inculcated in the new ones. There is a hard core of players – starting with the 10 seasons of Alessandro Pajola, who will help in this. The work time is not much, but it is customary for teams of a certain level to try to achieve the goal in a short time. Last year it was 7 days for me, it’s almost a luxury.”
Adjustments? We have made adjustments to the workforce, some necessary related to missed renewals and transfers. I think the team traces a vision. The staff is deep, complete, with quality and versatility. At times when there will be fatigue, stress, injuries will be crucial to continue to ensure efficiency. At this level every Euroleague team builds the roster with a view to being competitive on both fronts. We have 15 players who will be chosen and selected to maintain a high level of performance throughout the season, regardless of the competition. I know it may seem like an impossible mission, downturns are there, we need to have the ability to limit them. We have an excellent staff that will help us and hopefully we will have enough luck to keep away from serious injuries, like Cacok’s last year.
First appointment, the Super Cup in Bologna. In terms of logistics we are saving ourselves an away trip, which in preparation helps. It will be an extra opportunity for our fans, moreover the preseason will be all outside Bologna apart from a closed-door scrimmage. So it will be the first on-field embrace between the team and the fans, and it will be very important especially for the new guys.
The physical condition of Cacok and Grazulis. Premised in the case of Grazulis, there is no exact return date, but it is likely that from the end of next week he may resume contact with the team. But he has been inactive since April and had surgery. But it is reasonable to think that he has at least two weeks of work to evaluate him before the start of the season. For Cacok, I attended his session yesterday, I think we are far from seeing him back with the team. It will take gradual steps before we see him back on the field and have him as a team asset.
The two who are training are coming here for different reasons. Both can leave the gathering if they find a contract. Cooke we requested him – in some ways he has similar technical characteristics to Cacok – Gamble made himself available to us, given also his experience at the club. He deserves this opportunity; he will be able to be supportive.
Last year 4 of the 6 arrivals came from the Euroleague, this year only 1 of the 7 arrivals. Having in the locker room and on the court a player of Julian’s experience and with a winning experience in Virtus I think is an advantage and I immediately accepted his request. Having a contract? Today we are not considering adding any players. We want to get the injured back as soon as possible, and for Cacok we believe there can be major improvements, from him I expect a surge once he is back on the court, also mentally. He had an abnormal injury, very rare and with a very long recovery time, already seeing the field again will be a very important booster for him. I hope that in a reasonable time the team will be able to count on all 15 members.
