Bologna, August 24 –
Before Virtus Segafredo Bologna’s open-door first practice, journalists and media had the opportunity to speak with team captain Marco Belinelli for an early season greeting.
“We are very happy with this restart, definitely positive. We are a new team, it’s too early to say what we will be able to do however there are definitely the conditions to have a good season and we will try to give our best for us and our fans.”
On the first practice without Milos Teodosic: “I was very close to him as was all of Bologna. There is no need for me to say what Milos did for Bologna. It is fair to point out the lack of Milos but it is also fair to point out the lack of a great player like Kyle Weems, but unfortunately these are the decisions, these things happen, you have to accept them and move on.
Milos was not only the magical Milos, we also hung out off the court and we are very close friends, we spoke a few days ago. He’s going to be missed outside of basketball as well, a great guy, a humble person who was great to play with, especially the first year I was here.”
The captain then goes on to talk about expectations for the new season. “It’s very early to talk because you have to see the first training sessions, certainly on paper we are a more square team, which can do well. We definitely need to create a good atmosphere, try to be united and be compact, that’s the most important thing. We will see in these days, we are at the beginning and we are all starting from scratch, we will try to be ready for a good season. Those who come to play in a Virtus jersey know that the goal is to win.”
On the fans who flocked to the rally in large numbers despite the Bolognese heat: “We are used to this welcome. It is a very nice thing, even last year it was like this. It is the city of basketball, it makes us very happy to have fans who come to see us, who stay with us and support us throughout the season. We go on the court for ourselves, but definitely also for the fans and the city of Bologna.”
About the goals for the season: “The goal always remains to win. We are a new team, but you have to try to hit the goals, work quietly. We won’t be a Final Four team overnight, but it will take time to grow, to try to understand who we are and what we want. Those who come to Virtus come to win, and they know that the goals are to go all the way.
Captain Belinelli concludes by talking about the Italian league and a wish for the World Basketball Championship starting tomorrow: “I see that there are other teams that have strengthened. Everyone talks about Milan and Virtus, but it is fair to say that Brescia, Venice, Tortona, other teams have also grown from the point of view of acquired players. We hope it will be a good championship. And for the World Cup, Forza Italia!”
