Latest Napoli Basketball – Matt Rizzettapresident and co-owner of Napoli Basket, speaks to the microphones of the club’s official channels.
“It is always a pleasure to be here in Naples: it is an honor to represent these splendid colors not only in the city, but throughout the world”
Can we draw a first mini-assessment of this first part of the season? A first objective has already been achieved: Napoli has qualified for the Final Eight of the Italian Cup.
“Yes, absolutely. Qualifying for the Final Eight was a goal we cared about a lot and we achieved it with great pride. We are proud of the work done by the staff and all the players. Dan and I, when we presented ourselves to the Neapolitan public for the first time, made it clear that the objective of the first year was to qualify for the play-offs. Today we are seventh, therefore perfectly in line with what was planned. Naturally we will try to strengthen the squad if necessary and to give more and more satisfaction to the people of Naples, who deserve a high level project”
The results certainly help bring the public closer. Can we already talk about play-offs for this season?
“Yes, it’s an objective shared by everyone from the beginning: ownership, coach, staff and team. We know that the second round is always another championship, because all the teams will try to strengthen themselves, as we will too. The team is there, the culture is there, the winning mentality as well. With this approach we can achieve very important objectives. And then, in the play-offs, anything can happen, especially counting on an extraordinary “sixth man” like the Neapolitan public”
You have often spoken about the excellent relationship with the institutions and with Mayor Manfredi. The theme of the facility concerns the whole city: what stage is the project for the new building at?
“We are at a very positive point. We met with the mayor a few months ago and found a strong convergence on the vision and mutual interests. Naples deserves a European-level arena: it is unthinkable that a city like this does not have a top-level structure. Our objective is precisely to build a modern arena, at the height of the square”
Naples has been chosen as the venue for major international sporting events. What value does this connection between sport and city have?
“I believe that this is the most exciting moment for Naples in the last twenty years. The goal is to bring basketball to the same level as football, fill the arena every match and grow beyond the current spaces. This is why we are looking to the future and to a new arena”
There is a lot of talk about NBA Europe and the Euroleague, continental projects that could include Naples.
“In the next few weeks we have already scheduled meetings with NBA leaders. As president of Napoli Basket I feel a great responsibility: to represent Neapolitan values in the world. Naples has so much to offer, on a cultural, sporting and economic level. Here there is a unique international basin, also thanks to the Italian-American community, made up largely of families with roots in Southern Italy. This makes Naples a special place, potentially ideal for any international expansion project”
The number of sponsors and partners continues to grow, many of which are linked to the territory.
“Today, capital is not the real problem. The most important thing is belonging. We are looking for partners who believe in the project with their hearts, with passion and with an authentic bond towards these colours. Only in this way, by joining forces, can we build something truly special”
A final message to the fans.
“On behalf of the club I want to thank you for the incredible support. We are among the teams with the greatest increase in attendance compared to last year: this means trust, enthusiasm and passion. We are working tirelessly to build a project that, in the coming years, can become one of the most important at a European level. We want to win, always improve and grow together with you. Come on Napoli, see you soon at the stadium. Thank you very much”
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