Had the victory arrived, today everyone would have talked about a heroic comeback from -16 in emergency (excluding Pajola and Zizic) which was so reminiscent of the Virtus last autumn. Instead, once again, the Bianconeri lost in a sprint, condemned by the details. And from the champions, too. Shabazz Napier, long courted in the summer, made the basket. Will Clyburn, on the other hand, didn’t, in fact he handled it rather badly. In the end, basketball is also this: but if Virtus is last with a record of 1-5 there must be a reason, or rather more than one. There are various players who for one reason or another are giving or playing very little: Hackett (who was injured yesterday), Belinelli, Tucker, Zizic, Grazulis. In this way, Banchi’s blanket is really short, the playing time of some players increases dramatically (yesterday Cordinier, Shengelia, Morgan and Clyburn all played over 31 minutes) and the risk of them running out of oxygen at the end grows. Given that the ownership (Board of Directors reconfirmed yesterday) does not give the green light to the entry market unless there is an exit first, the problem seems destined to continue. Pajola’s return will certainly give breathing space (and defence) to the external department, but it isn’t necessarily enough.
Meanwhile, tomorrow the Bianconeri will be at Milano for the Euroleague derby. Derby in a modest tone, between two of the last in the standings. And if Virtus cries, Olimpia certainly doesn’t laugh. Many problems, few victories, and now also Shields’ injury. Perhaps the only happy note of the season is Armoni Brooks, who is playing really well, together with Caruso’s first performances. But it’s a little bit, honestly. Unlike the Bianconeri, the Messina team (absent in the last few games due to an ear infection) is trying to go on the market, and it seems they are ready to shell out a rich buyout for Nico Mannion, even if it is not clear how much the former Warriors can really give to Armani in the Euroleague, but that’s it. It’s only October, but for both of us, if tomorrow isn’t already the last resort, we’re almost there.
