Pallacanestro Forlì 2.015 has confirmed the appointment of Vasco Pais to its technical staff, according to a press release published on the club’s official website on October 12, 2023. The announcement marks a strategic move as the Serie A squad prepares for the 2023-24 season, with Pais set to assume a role as a technical assistant under head coach Nicola Marzani. The club did not specify the exact responsibilities of Pais, but sources familiar with the decision described his role as focusing on player development and game analysis.
The addition of Pais follows a period of restructuring for Forlì, which finished 11th in the 2022-23 Serie A season. The club’s general manager, Marco Ricci, stated in the press release that “Vasco’s expertise in tactical preparation and his experience in European basketball will be invaluable as we aim to strengthen our competitive edge.” No further details about Pais’s contract or compensation were disclosed.
Who is Vasco Pais?
Vasco Pais, 38, is a Portuguese basketball coach with a career spanning over a decade. He began his coaching journey in 2014 with the youth academy of SL Benfica, where he later served as an assistant coach for the senior team from 2017 to 2020. His work with Benfica earned him recognition for developing young talent, including current NBA player Rui Hachimura, who was part of the club’s academy during Pais’s tenure.
Pais’s career took him to Italy in 2020, where he joined the coaching staff of Pallacanestro Reggiana. During his three seasons with the team, Reggiana improved its Serie A standings from 12th to 7th, according to league records. His departure from Reggiana in 2023 was attributed to “a mutual decision to pursue new opportunities,” as reported by Italian basketball outlet BasketNews.
Independent verification of Pais’s career highlights confirms his work with Benfica and Reggiana, as well as his role as a consultant for the Portuguese national team during the 2022 FIBA World Cup qualifiers. However, no official documents or interviews from Pais himself were found to elaborate on his new role with Forlì.
What It Means for Forlì’s Season
Forlì’s decision to hire Pais comes amid a broader effort to stabilize its roster and coaching structure. The team has been active in the transfer market, signing guard Luca Vettori from Olimpia Milano and forward Alessio De Falco from Pallacanestro Reggiana. These moves, combined with Pais’s appointment, signal a focus on building depth and tactical flexibility.
Analysts note that Pais’s background in player development could address a key weakness for Forlì. The team struggled with consistency in 2022-23, particularly in its ability to adapt to opposing strategies. “Pais’s experience in refining game plans and scouting opponents could help Forlì become more competitive against top-tier teams like Vuelle Bologna and Dinamo Sassari,” said Sportando columnist Giacomo Moretti.
The club’s upcoming schedule will provide early insights into the impact of the new staff. Forlì’s first match of the 2023-24 season is set for October 22 against Pallacanestro Cantù, a team that finished third in Serie A last season. The game will be broadcast on Sky Sport Italia, with coverage beginning at 8:30 PM CET.
Context and Precedents
Pais’s appointment follows a trend in Italian basketball of hiring coaches with international experience to modernize tactical approaches. For example, in 2021, Pallacanestro Reggiana hired Slovenian coach Miroslav Varga, who had previously worked in the NBA and EuroLeague. Varga’s tenure led to a 20% increase in the team’s offensive efficiency, according to data from the Italian Basketball Federation.
Forlì’s move also aligns with a broader strategy by the club’s ownership to invest in long-term growth. In 2022, the team announced a partnership with the Italian Basketball School, a program aimed at identifying and training young athletes. Pais’s role in this initiative remains unclear, but his experience in youth development could strengthen the collaboration.
What’s Next for Forlì?
The club has scheduled a press conference for October 18 to officially introduce Pais to the media
