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Germani, Magro: “My boys first pioneers, now ambassadors”

Per Alessandro Magro the season started in early August 2021 and ended on July 24th. The traditional holidays in Tuscany with his family were short due to his “fault”, since he deserved the call of the Under 20 National Team, which played in the European category, finishing in ninth place (passing the round in the group, out in the round of 16 with Croatia and then three good victories in the “secondary” draw).

At the Germani home, things went on, he remained connected “remotely”. The surprise, however, came from the property, with the return of Amedeo Della Valle. And we can only start from here. «We were looking for a game creator to complete the squad – says the Florentine coach -. With the arrival of Amedeo, on a technical level, our team would be in place. Clearly, since Amedeo is Italian and Petrucelli has become one, we have a free slot. We are not required to enter a player. We might as well start like this, and keep this possibility when, in the race, we should understand that we are lacking in some department. Or do it before the start, in case an unmissable opportunity presents itself ». But if the objectives, previously, were players who could dance between the spot guard and the small forward, “it is clear that now we would move for a more classic 3”.

Satisfaction

Meanwhile, skinny can be happy for two reasons. The first: a very good part of the skeleton of the past season has remained intact. In fact, among the “essentials”, the only one missing is Mitrou-Long. The second: elements of value have arrived from the market. In line with a technical project that aims to do good things in the league and in Eurocup. «Those who remained have technical and emotional memories of the past season – analyzes the coach -. In all senses. I think of Della Valle’s phrases on the day it was presented: “The work, here, is not finished”. The fact that the players know each other and know my basketball is an advantage. They will no longer be pioneers, but ambassadors to newcomers ». The coach expects a lot from the latter. And he describes them precisely.

Caupain? «A combo with size, athleticism and impact on both halves. He is a clutch player, he knows how to strike in decisive moments. And he knows Petrucelli, with whom he played in Ulm ». Massinburg? “We have high expectations. He is a utility guy, he will know how to do what the team needs. He will have minutes and will prove essential ». Akele? «He can make the leap in quality. We had already courted him last summer. He can grow from an offensive point of view ». Did he hate? «A Cobbins-style center, but one that will allow us to explore different defenses and allow us to focus more on systematic changes. He is a rebounder and a stopper ». And then there is the Cournooh experience.

The Germani 2022-2023 will not change its skin in the general tactical idea. «We will try to run and play more aggressively. With the double commitment, the minutes will be distributed with greater balance. In the big teams, the minutes range from 10 to 24 minutes, no more ».

The opponents

In Europe, Brescia Basketball will try to seize “the growth opportunity that the Cup guarantees both to the players and to the club”. In Italy Magro sees Olimpia Milano “Built, if possible, even better than in the past”. Virtus Bologna “is perhaps further back, but they will equip themselves as best they can for the Euroleague. Behind, I hope next to us, I find that the Reyer Venezia has been assembled with great intelligence. Tortona and Dinamo Sassari are also excellent ».