Circumstances and opportunities.
Armani Milano did last season what was expected of them for a long time.
For the first time since 2014, the Italian team qualified for the playoffs, and for the first time in almost 30 years, it reached the Final Four.
It was likely that the successful staff would undergo few changes and there would be no shocks.
Circumstances and opportunities determined otherwise.
Circumstances - Kevin Panther, one of the most prominent guards in the Euroleague last season, made a surprising move when he gave up the Euroleague in favor of Jelimir Oberdovic's project in Partizan Belgrade.
Opportunities - A situation has arisen where it is possible to bring Niccolò Mali back to the club and get a diverse, smart and experienced inside player who is also a local player.
Following this, Milan gave up on Zack Lydie, who was also an outstanding player last season (and also moved to the partisan).
Messina.
Imitation model, Photo: Photo: Alan Schieber
Beyond that, Ettore Messina wanted to add physicality, athleticism and toughening the defense, and on the other hand offensive speed.
The team landed three back line players - Grian Grant, Devon Hall and Troy Daniels (who will not play tonight due to injury), to strengthen these dimensions and give the Italian coach many options among his outside players.
What Milan did not have and still does not have is a threatening chin, which is a defensive umbrella and a real target in color.
Kyle Haynes is still good but growing up, and Kyleb Tarzowski is very mediocre.
Mali's miracle.
It's pretty amazing that the player who left in 2015 as someone who is going to become a mediocre player at best, returns home on a red carpet after playing in the top of the Euroleague, Fenerbahce, and also in the NBA.
It is quite amazing that the one we have given up without blinking is returning respect, and even making significant changes for him.
We met at the previous meeting in the hall.
How will it end this time?
Niccolò Mali will always be remembered as the one who committed one of the most delusional unsportsmanlike offenses.
It happened in the 2014 playoffs against Maccabi Tel Aviv, and was the direct cause of Milan's favorite and home side losing the place in the Final Four in favor of the Yellows, who will also win the cup that season. Trinkiri gave him wings.
Antivirus.
Milan can not concentrate quietly on the Euroleague.
She has "troubles" from home.
Its control of the local arena is in danger called Virtus Bologna.
The first sign of this was in the playoff final last season, when Virtus won the championship and another in a resounding sweep 0: 4.
It might have been possible to give Milan extenuating circumstances like a drop in tension after the Final Four of the Euroleague and cumulative fatigue.
This season there will be no more discounts.
Virtus, which plays in the EuroCup, has built a monster that already has a place at the top of the Euroleague, and is probably no less good than Milan.
Virtus sees in front of their eyes only a return to the Euroleague next season.
The struggle for dominance in Italian basketball is in full swing.
